#yes you can maybe say Niall and Liam had a little more buzz around them than harry did at the time but in comparison harry just didn't need

[arctickat2400]

Birthday With 1D <> Harry Styles

You walked out of your last class of the day, making your way to the school’s exit. You feel your phone buzz in your back pocket and as you take it out, you see a text from your boyfriend, Harry.

You didn’t get to see him this morning like you usually do. You were running late for school and Harry had to leave early for work. You had gotten a note this morning from him, telling you Happy Birthday and that he’d see you later. Yes, it was your birthday, and, of course, you had to go to school.

The text read:

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl. See you soon XO

I smile, replying back with a winking emoji.

Just then, you look up to find where you parked, just to see a familiar red convertible sitting in the spot right in front of yours. You smile, seeing your boyfriend, Harry, and the boys, Louis, Niall, Liam, and Zayn hanging around in the red vehicle, waiting for you.

Liam was sitting in the back with Niall sitting up on the back beside him, Louis sat in the front passengers seat and Zayn stood on the other side of the car.

“SURPRISE!” The boys yelled. “Happy Birthday, Y/N!” The boys shout with smiles on their faces as they spot you walking towards them.

You smile and laugh, knowing they love it when you do that, and say, “Okay, okay, thank you guys. But my birthday isn’t really something I’d like everyone to know about.” They all just shrug still with smiles on their cute faces.

Lastly, you see Harry getting out of the driver’s seat and walking towards you as you make it to the convertible. He has a smile on his face and open arms, inviting you in.

“Your birthday is definitely something that should be celebrated. Happy Birthday, Gorgeous.” Harry greets you, quiet enough so just you would hear.

“Thank you, Harry.” You smile as you walk into his arms, wrapping them around you. Y’all stare into each other’s eyes as you both lean in and meet in a passionate kiss.

Kissing your forehead and wrapping his arm around your shoulders, Harry leads you to the car and you see Louis jumping out from the front seat, opening the door for you.

“Thanks, Lou. You didn’t have to do that.” You smiled to Louis as you hop into the front seat.

“It’s a special day. You deserve it.” Louis answers with a grin as he closes your door for you. You just kiss his cheek once he comes back after putting your backpack in the trunk. He climbs into the back seat, squeezing in with Niall, Liam, and Zayn.

Harry jumps back into the driver’s seat and sets off to some unknown destination.

“So, where to boys?” You questions your best friends.

“We were thinking about bringing you to your favorite restaurant. And then going back to the flat for a movie night.” Harry told you, looking over at you with a smile then back at the road again.

“Wait, we’re going to Nando’s?” You question in excitement. You see Harry nodding, the smile never leaving his lips.

“You and me both, Kitty.” Niall says to you, leaning in between you and Harry and kissed your cheek.

“Niall, really?!” Harry yells back to Niall in annoyance as you just burst into laughter. You could see Harry’s smile in the corner of your eye.

Y’all arrived to Nando’s, everyone filing out of the car and towards the restaurant, you and Harry hand in hand.

You were able to get right in and to a table. You sat next to Harry, Niall on your other side, Louis next to Harry, Zayn beside Niall and Liam in between Zayn and Louis. After ordering your food and drinks, everyone getting the ½ Chicken, it all was made and delivered pretty quickly.

The whole time, y’all talked about funny moments on tour and all the memorable moments y’all have had since you and the boys met. There were a lot of laughs, and some of the time, you’d laugh so much you started crying.

At one point during dinner, you were joking around and you took one of Niall’s fries when he wasn’t looking. Everyone started laughing because everyone who knew Niall knew that he hated sharing food. When Niall noticed you had stolen a single fry, he looked at you with wide eyes, a smile being put on your face. Niall, then, stole one of your fries for revenge and, in the end, he forgave you because it was your birthday.

After eating and paying the check, y’all made your way back to the car, piling back in. Harry started the engine and began back to yours and Harry’s flat.

“So, Y/N, what movies are we watching?” Liam asked.

“Um… I don’t know. Maybe a little rom-com, The Notebook,” You suggested with a smile, looking over at Harry and tapping his nose with your finger. He just smiled cutely back at you. “And then probably a scary movie, though we don’t have many. Probably Red Riding Hood.” You added as y’all pulled up into your driveway.

“Are y’all staying over tonight?” You questioned the boys as you all got out of the car.

“Sadly, Liam and I can't stay the night.” Zayn started. “We have some stuff to do early tomorrow morning, so we’ll only be able to stay for the movies.” Zayn finished as everyone walked into the flat.

“Well, at least everyone can stay for movies and popcorn.” I mention.

“This means we’re all yours, Kitten. And your all mine in bed.” Harry tells you, whispering the last part so everyone else wouldn’t hear as he pulled you against him at your waist.

“Did I hear popcorn?” You hear Niall say as you look to the side and see him walking from the hall, probably from the bathroom. You just giggled at Niall’s neediness for food.

You and Harry walk into the living room to find the movies as Niall, Zayn and Liam go into the kitchen to make popcorn, Louis just relaxing himself onto one of the chairs.

The rest of the boys came in after a few minutes with five bowls of popcorn in their hands. You and Harry always shared food like popcorn, so you two shared a bowl.

The movie The Notebook was set up as everyone got situated in their spots. Louis stayed where he was before, Liam and Niall on either side of the couch and Zayn in the middle of them. It was quite a large couch, sectional, so there was a lot of room for the three of them. Then, there was you and Harry on the red chase, Harry sitting behind you with you in between his legs, his arms wrapped around your waist.

“Y/N, why do we have to watch a cheesy romantic movie?” Niall questioned, already digging into his popcorn, as you pressed play on the remote for the Notebook to start.

“Because it’s a good movie. And I think you’d like it if you’d just try it.” You told him. You looked at Niall along with the rest of the boys, except for Harry cause this is his favorite movie, and you could tell that the other boys weren’t too excited about this movie either. “Now, be quiet and eat your popcorn.” You added with a bit of sass. You were always that way with the boys, and they still loved it.

As we got further into the movie, you kept looking at the boys, Harry doing the same with you. You spotted Niall and you could tell he was getting more and more into it. A few sad moments came and you saw a few tears come from Louis, maybe one or two from Liam, and Zayn was never one to cry at the movies, but he was still very into it. But, Niall, it looked like he was bawling as he watched the sad parts and ate his popcorn continuously.

It was quite funny as you looked up at Harry and he was laughing silently too. He looked down at you and pressed his lips against yours. You knew the boys weren’t watching, though you wouldn’t care if they were watching. You both looked back to the movie as you snuggled against your boyfriend, his warm arms holding you close.

The Notebook ended and Niall’s face was still tear stained.

“You doing okay, Niall? You look a little…” You started, but Niall interrupted you.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever Y/N. I gotta say it was a good movie, just not my kind of movie.” Niall said as he got up along with everyone else so they can get ready for the next movie.

“Not your kind of movie? You were crying the entire time.” Harry said with a little laughter as you and the rest of the boys started laughing with him.

“Oh, be quiet.” Niall brushed it off as he left into the kitchen for more popcorn along with Liam and Louis.

You looked over at Harry who sat on the edge of the chase. He was already looking at you as you smiled at him. He winked at you and you blushed, as always when he did something like that to you. You put Red Riding Hood (Amanda Seyfried) into the DVD player as the boys came back in and settled back into their spots.

Harry went back to his spot as you climbed onto his lap, his arms snaking around you.

Throughout the movie, there were a few scary parts, maybe a few parts that jumped out at you, but overall it wasn't that bad. Though, you could tell the other boys thought differently. You could see the fear in all their faces. They're guys and they get scared. My goodness…

The movie was almost over as you were starting to doze off on top of Harry, your head laying on his chest. You could feel his lips against the top of you head and you smiled, loving it when he did that.

“Well, we had a lot of fun with you tonight, Y/N. Happy Birthday.” Liam said, kissing your cheek as you guys stood by your front door.

“Happy Birthday, Kitty.” Zayn added as he kissed your cheek and gave you a hug. Everyone said goodbye to Liam and Zayn as they left for their homes.

You and Harry turned toward Louis and Niall, Harry’s arm around your waist and his other hand in his pocket. You both had humorous smiles on your faces as you looked at the boys in front of you, fear stricken.

“Well, I’m gonna have nightmares tonight.” Louis mentioned as they unsettled themselves from the movie watching.

“Seriously, guys, the movie wasn’t even that scary.” I told them, heading into the living room to grab all the popcorn bowls as the three boys followed.

“Says you. Did you see how that wolf was eating everyone? That’s just not right.” Niall responded as they followed you into the kitchen. YOu passed Niall and slapped him lightly and playfully on the cheek twice as you set the bowls in the sink.

“Well, now you can go to bed to take your mind off of it. Y’all know where to go. Come on, Harry.” You said, grabbing Harry’s hand and leading him upstairs behind you. Harry just had the most turned on face and you loved it. “Goodnight boys.” You yelled down to Louis and Niall.

You and Harry got into your pj’s, Harry going shirtless, just the way you like it. You turn off all the lights and close the curtains, meeting Harry at the bed.

“Thank you Harry for today. I had a really nice time.” You told Harry as you and him settled into bed.

“Anything for my kitten. I just wish we could’ve done something more.” Harry said, tracing his fingers around your face, over your nose and caressing your cheek with his thumb. He brushed the hair away from your eyes as you both faced each other.

“Harry, I would’ve been fine with anything you did for me. I wasn’t expecting anything, to be honest. But, tonight was great, all thanks to you.” You told Harry with a smile. He smiled back at you, leaning in with his hand on your cheek, his lips pressing softly against your own. You weren’t planning on pulling away anytime soon, until you hear a knock at the door.

“Come in,” You shouted with a smile, knowing who it was and why. You stared at Harry as he stared at you, and you could see annoyance in his eyes, but you just found that funny.

You turned around to see Louis and Niall in the doorway, blankets wrapped around them as they looked at you.

“Y/N, can we sleep with you?” Niall asked sweetly, innocence filling his voice. You wanted to laugh so bad, but you just kept a calm smile.

“Fine. Come on,” You giggled, gesturing for them to come to the bed as Niall shut the door behind them.

“There goes our romantic night together.” Harry whispers almost inaudible, though you could hear him. You turned as you pressed your lips against his forehead, and a smile rose to his lips once again. Niall and Louis ran and jumped into bed with you and Harry.

You lay in bed with Harry’s arms around your waist, holding you close, Niall’s head laid on your shoulder and Louis’ head laid on your stomach. You had the weight of all three boys on you, but honestly, you didn’t care. You loved these boys.

As Louis and Niall fell asleep, you turned your head towards Harry beside you.

“I love you, Harry.” You told him, smiling as you noticed he was already staring at you.

He leaned down and gave you one last kiss on your lips, his hand on your cheek and his thumb caressing your cheek. “I love you, too, Kitten. Happy birthday, baby girl.” He said to you. You sweetly rubbed your nose with his as you dozed off in his arms.

[anythingandeverything1d]

The tape (part 8)

Parts 1-7

Harry’s pov:

He didn’t know how long it had been. He had dozed off, his cheek resting against the back of her hand while waiting for her to wake up. He lifted his head and looked around, the curtains had been pulled closed and the lights dimmed. (y/n) was still laying perfectly still, her eyes closed as if she were sleeping. A massive black bruise was forming under her left eye and some scratches were noticeable on her cheek. He gently brushed his fingers across her cheek, wishing he could stop the pain he knew she would feel. “You must be Mr. Styles.” Harry jumped, his hands falling to his lap and his body shifting to the door. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m Dr. Ren, I’ve been following (y/n)’s case since she arrived.”

Harry stood up, extending his hand with a deep exhale. “Yes, hi, I’m Harry. Is she....is she okay?” Harry bit down on his lip. This was the moment he had been waiting for and yet he wasn't ready. He didn’t want the doctor to tell him that she wasn’t okay...that she wouldn’t wake up....that he wouldn’t be able to see her smile, or hear her laugh anymore. He could never tell her how much he loved her, or how he had been planning on proposing, the exact way she had dreamed of for so many years. He would never get to see her in a wedding dress...or pregnant...

The doctor smiled and nodded, pulling Harry from his thoughts. “She is okay. We had to administer some anesthesia to get some x-rays and scans. She has two fractured ribs, some bruising, a mild concussion, and needed a few stitches, but overall she is very very lucky. She should wake up here within the next hour or so. We will keep her overnight just to observe all of the injuries but in the morning she will be free to go as long as everything remains the same. Again, she is very very lucky. I’m not sure how she’s alive at all honestly but out of all the people involved in that accident she is by far the one with the least amount of injuries.”

Harry couldn’t help it, he dropped to his knees, tears flowing from his cheeks, his eyes looking up at the doctor. “Thank you. Thank you so much.” He would be able to see her smile, hear her laugh, hold her hand, propose...

“No problem.” Dr. Ren smiled and helped Harry up. “When she wakes up, have a nurse buzz me. Otherwise, breathe and relax. She will be just fine.” He placed a hand on his shoulder before turning and walking out.

Harry nodded and returned to his seat, a small smile playing on his lips for the first time since all of this had started. He grabbed her hand again, pulling it to his lips in relief. All that mattered was that she was okay. She was going to wake up, she was going to be bruised, but she was alive. Harry grabbed his phone, sending a quick update to the guys who were apparently still waiting in the parking lot.

He sat by the bed, waiting, watching, and hoping for a sign of movement showing she would wake up. He quietly started singing, hoping his voice would pull her form the deep sleep. A knock at the door interrupted the second verse of Watermelon Sugar. Louis, Liam, and Niall walked in. Louis was holding a giant bear, Liam some candy, and Niall flowers. Harry smiled sadly and nodded for them to come in. They all gathered around, not saying anything but taking the moment in. “She’s going to be okay.” Harry’s voice broke. He couldn’t hold back the feelings anymore, not with the guys he called brothers standing there with him.

“See...” Louis tried to think of a smart comeback but was quickly silenced, unsure of what to say.

“When will she wake up?” Niall asked anxiously. There were things he needed to say...things he needed to apologize for.

“The doctor said in the next hour she should be up....but I don’t know.”

“I’m sure she will wake up soon. Doctors know far more than any of us do.” Liam was the voice of reason, but even today he seemed shaken, worried for the girl even he had grown to love over the last 7 years. 

“Do you remember when we met her?” Louis suddenly voiced up. He was staring at her with a smile but looked around at everyone. “Harry had said a friend of his was coming and we all expected a guy...but then walked (y/n).” Louis laughed. “Harry you said the two of you were just friends.”

“We were! Kind of...” Harry smiled, picturing that day. (y/n) had walked in wearing shorts and an oversized hoodie and something about it just made his knees go weak. 

“She fit in so well with everyone. Everyone instantly loved her.” Liam recalled. “I mean she could fit in with our crazy asses.”

“Niall, you tried flirting with her for WEEKS after that first visit.”

“Harry said they were just friends!” He laughed defensively. “She was beautiful...she was funny....I mean what was there not to love?”

“When did you and her start dating Harry? Like officially....” Liam turned to Harry and Harry smiled.

“The following day. She watched our concert that night...we had back to back shows at the O2.. after the first one we just hung out and talked. I knew then she was the one. The next night I attempted to take her to dinner but that didn’t work...so we ended up eating crackers backstage and talking about everything and anything.” Harry smiled and looked over. “She was always the one...”

“She always kept up with our antics that’s for sure. I remember on the first night she had challenged me...she said that Beckham was a better player...she was wrong of course but I respected her confidence. ” Louis nodded. “It’s crazy to think we are here with her now....all of what happened with the band and we are still here and she’s still at the center of our lives. She’s all of our best friends...”

The guys all nodded and Harry wiped a tear. “I was going to propose to her.” The guys looked up, surprised but also not. “Before the tape came out...I had it planned for that weekend..I was going to take her to dinner, and then to O2...I had recreated the first date we went on...and then I was going to propose in the park we had ended up going to after. I had someone decorate it with lights and everything...I had a photographer ready.” Harry smiled and then shook his head. “And then everything happened.”

“You’ll get your chance again...” Liam stated, sure of himself.

“Yeah, we all know that you two will work things out..” Niall nodded.

“You’re all so confident.” Harry laughed. “I’m not even sure I’ll get her to come home with me.”

“She loves you.” Niall looked at Harry and smiled. “She will either end up with you or with like 20 cats.”

Louis laughed and nodded. “Haven’t you ever wondered why she stuck with us? Instead of going to her girlfriends or family. Harry she wanted you to pull yourself together. She wanted you to make things right. And clearly you did.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well she went home with you didn’t she?”

“Yeah but-”

Louis pulled out his phone and read, “no, don't need you to get me...things seem to be...better. If I need anything I’ll call but pretty sure I’ll be okay from here. xo”

“What’s that?” Liam laughed.

“That was the text (y/n) sent to me the morning after she returned home. She wouldn’t have said those things if you had continued to screw up Harry....She wouldn’t have stayed or planned to stay.”

“I just hope I can take her home...get things somewhat back to normal.”

“They will go back to normal...just hang in there.” Liam nodded and everyone looked back over at you. “We should go though...the nurse gave us limited hours before calling security or worse tweeting...”

Harry nodded and they all asked for updates as things happened. Harry had promised to call when she actually woke up so that they could again come in and see how she was doing. Once they had left, he settled back into the chair, closing his eyes briefly to reflect on everything. It hadn’t been too long, maybe 5 minutes but his eyes were still closed, causing him to miss the blink of her eye. “Haz...”

Harry’s head whipped up, the phone falling to the floor, and tears instantly falling down his cheeks as his heart skipped beats and his chest tightened. Haz.... the nickname he had come to love throughout their relationship. The nickname he hadn’t heard in what felt like forever. “I’m here....babe....” Harry choked the words out, squeezing her hand a little tighter as the sobs echoed through his chest. He watched her eyes blink a few times, confused at her surroundings, but relax when they fell on him. Her beautiful eyes, the ones that held so much love, so much laughter. He had never been happier. 

“What...what happened?” She tried sitting up and Harry gently held her down.

“Shh...baby it’s okay...I’m here....there was an accident...I need to get the doctor now, but I’ll be right back okay?”

Tears were collecting in her eyes as the realization of the situation hit. “No. Don’t leave me. Don’t go please.. Please Harry don’t leave...don’t-”

“Shhh...” Harry placed a kiss on her nose and wiped away the tears falling on her cheeks. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here okay? You’re okay. You’re safe.”

She was gasping for air when the crying started. “I...I was trying to get my phone...the car...it it came out of nowhere-”

“I know...it’s okay love. Let me just get the doctor okay? Then I’ll be right back and I won’t leave again.”

She nodded, watching him rush into the hallway to where the nurse’s station was.

Your pov:

Everything hurt. You’re body felt like it had been thrown off a 3 story building. You couldn’t really move too much without a sharp stabbing sensation in your chest. You also had a swollen lip, something you were typically used to when dating Harry but not in this way. The taste of blood was on your lips and your heart was beating a mile a minute. Harry had stepped out, but you were afraid he wouldn’t come back. You were afraid you wouldn’t see him again. You felt more tears fall down your cheeks and sucked in a breath. What if he didn’t come back...what if he had found out about Niall and everything that had occurred. What if he hated you the way you had hated him when you found out about the sex tape.q

“Babe....” Harry rushed back to the seat by the bed and frowned. “What’s wrong? What hurts?”

“I kissed Niall.” you cried. Harry looked taken back but then smiled and laughed lightly. “It’s not funny. I cheated on you and and “

“I know.” “What?”

“Niall told me what happened.”

“But-”

“It’s fine. I’m not worried about that. I’m more worried about you right now.”

“But-”

“(y/n)..I thought you were dead. I mean hell, you were in a serious car accident and your worried about something Niall did? I could care less about any of that shit right now. I just want you. I want to make sure you are okay...”

“You do?”

Harry laughed and pressed his lips lightly to yours. “Yes.” He breathed out a sigh of relief and touched his forehead to yours, his eyes closing until the doctor walked in. “You and your health are the only thing I even am remotely focused on right now. Okay? I love you.”

“I love you too.” You let out a shaky breath and smiled. 

“Ah there she is. How are you feeling?” The doctor walked in the room with a smile.

“Okay..”

“Well that’s better than expected.” He smiled and Harry looked annoyed but you kept your focus on the doctor. “You have two fractured ribs, a slight concussion, and needed some stitches along your leg. Do you remember much of what happened?”

You shook your head no and held tightly to Harry’s hand. You didn’t really care to remember anything to be honest. “Just bits and pieces...”

“What does the recovery for those things look like?” Harry was nervously tapping his foot on the floor while looking back and forth from you and the doctor.

“Restricted activity, taking things easy, really resting as much as possible. The ribs will take the longest but they are something that will heal on their own. No working out, lifting too much weight, no sex.” He raised an eyebrow at Harry and you felt your cheeks blush in response.

“Got it.” Harry nodded and tried to give you a reassuring smile. “We can do that.”

“Yeah right, that seems highly unlikely for the two of them.” Louis walked into the room with a smile. “Looking good there love, better than you do most mornings.” Harry glared at him but you smiled, grateful he was also here.

“Who are you?” The doctor asked confused. 

“Oh, sorry about that yeah, hi, I’m Louis. Louis Tomlinson.” Louis shook his hand before turning his focus back to you. “You had us all in quite the panic ya know?”

“Enough Lou.” Harry nudged him and gave you a smile. 

Liam and Niall came running in as well, smiles on their face when they saw you awake and alert. “Sorry, we were planning on leaving but it seems the nurse tweeted out we were here so there’s quite a gathering downstairs...”

“Ahh...” was Harry’s only answer.

“Well, seems you have enough people here to keep you company. If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask...I’ll check in later.”

“Thanks...” you mumbled watching him leave before focusing on the four boys gathered around your bed.

“So what did we miss?” Liam asked, sitting on the edge of Harry’s chair.

“They can’y have sex until her ribs heal.” Louis laughed.

“Oof, that’s rough mate, sorry.” Liam laughs and claps Harry on the shoulder.

“Shut up.” Harry shook his head and looked over at you. You were laughing at the banter, but stop and whine as the movement hurts. “Are you okay? What do you need?” Harry rushed over and was trying to assess where the pain was coming from.

Harry was always like this when something happened. It wasn’t necessarily clingy, but it was over caring and maybe a little smothering sometimes. You wouldn't complain about it though, you loved the attention and that he cared enough to be that way. You shake your head, “no, just a little sore.” You look at the unconvinced looks of Louis, Liam, and Niall and give a fake smile. “I swear. I’m fine.”

Harry’s pained expression on his face was all the confirmation you needed. Doctor Harry would not be leaving your side. “Can I have a minute....with (y/n)...” Niall interrupted your thoughts and steeped forward with a hand in his hair.

Harry looked irritated. Louis and Liam raised an eyebrow but said nothing as they stepped through the door giving their answer. Harry looked down at you, not wanting to leave. You gave him a small smile and nod, telling him that you needed the moment with Niall just as much as he had needed the moment with you earlier. Harry sighed, his head ducking to your lips. The kiss wasn’t a quick peck. It was one of possession. His eyes tore into Niall as he pulled away, placing one more light kiss on the tip of your nose. You gave him another reassuring smile and watched him walk out, the door closing as he left. You looked over at Niall, your heart racing a little more just thinking of the events that occurred before the accident. “Niall...”

“No...listen. I’m so sorry. I never should've yelled at ya like that. I should never of kissed ya. I was so out of line and so drunk that I-”

“Niall.” You stopped him, giving him a smile while shaking your head. “I don’t blame you...I mean we were both upset. I was upset. It’s all water under a bridge now. Really. The whole thing, I was thinking about it....I get it now. I mean what you did was wrong, but you did it out of a place of love and I can’t blame you for that. I appreciate you looking out for me, next time just be straight up and don’t involve the press.”

Niall wiped a tear from his eye and sat down. “I did it for myself, not for you. It was wrong. I shouldn’t have done Harry like that....I should of known it would hurt you more than it did him. I never should've put my friendship with either of you in jeopardy like that. I’m sorry for it. I really am. I’m sorry you ended up here too I mean-”

“Niall that wasn’t your fault. You can’t take the blame for that.”

“But-”

“No. Seriously. Harry can’t either. Hell, not even I can. It happened. I’m okay....a little sore.....but okay. Plus I’ve got all my boys here with me.” You grabbed his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Yeah, can’t believe they let us all in here.” Niall laughed.

“Yeah how did you manage that...”

“Well....Louis may a promised the nurse a picture with Harry.....and he also may a promised her a kiss....”

You raised an eyebrow and frowned. “Did he now? Clearly I have some things to take up with Louis...”

“I wouldn’t be too worried.” Niall laughed. “Harry won’t even look at another girl besides you, let alone kiss one.”

You gave him a small smile. “I don’t know about that...”

“I do.” Niall nodded. “Harry loves you more than he loves anything....well maybe not his mom but ya know...anything that would relatively hurt you, or make you feel a certain way....especially after the tape...there’s no way.”

You were about to agree but Harry’s soft knock came to the door. He frowned at your hand holding Nialls but looked at you for permission to come in. You nodded and he walked over, still keeping his distance. He cleared his throat and smiled softly. “Sorry to interrupt...the doctor is bringing in some pain meds-”

“I don’t-”

“I know but you do....(y/n) you’re in pain....” You opened your mouth to argue the point but he gave you a look and you knew there was no point in arguing...and he was right...the longer you had been awake, the more pain you had been in.

The nurse walked in with a smile, “Dr. Ren is going to go ahead and give you something for the pain. It does tend to make people sleepy, or even a little loopy sometimes okay?.”

You nodded and watched as she added the mix to the IV. “Thank you.”

Harry wandered over to the side of the bed, smiling as he looked between you and Niall. “So...are you two-”

“We are good. Right?” you looked at Niall with a smile.

He nodded, “Of course. Harry...I know I’ve said it already but-”

“We are fine. Seriously. Youre my brother...you know I couldn’t stay mad at you for too long.” Harry walked over and placed an arm around Niall’s shoulder. “But...” He punched Niall’s arm hard, “don’t ever kiss my girl again.”

Niall laughed and you giggled. “Lesson learned.”

Liam and Louis walked in with smiles as well. “Lou” you giggled more. The pain meds were definitely settling into your system. 

“What can I do for ya love?” He raised an eyebrow and wandered over to your bed. 

“I hear you promised some girl a kiss from my boyfriend...” Harry looked up, shocked, not at the fact Louis had promised that but that you had used the word “boyfriend.”

Louis grinned and looked at Harry who glared back, clearly unaware of this arrangement. “Yeah, yeah I did. Had to get in here some way ya know. Didn’t want to miss out on any opportunities to remind you how horrible you are at picking football teams.”

“Ha that’s what you think...” you giggled.

“Hate to break it to ya but your team lost love and-”

“What the hell Louis?” Harry cut in. “Why would you-”

“Now now now...clearly none of you pay attention but the nurse who wanted the kiss was almost done with her shift...she’s probably not even here now.”

“Still...don’t you think that’s something you should've run by someone beforehand?”

“Oh I did. Liam and Niall were in full support.” Liam looked down and Niall laughed at the death glares Harry was giving. You giggled as well, earning surprised laughs from everyone. 

“You guys are terrible.” You laughed.

“How are those pain meds feeling love?” Louis asked with an eyebrow raised.

“I feel.....great” you smiled, biting your lip and glancing at Harry. His hair was falling down across his face, his eyes bright green and the tattoos spilling out from under the white t-shirt he was wearing. One of your favorite looks...besides the puffy eyes from crying. You yawned, and blinked a few times refocusing your attention on the guys.

“You look a little tired...” Liam noted.

“No I’m just-” You yawned again. 

“Just tired.” Louis finished with a grin.

“Maybe a little...” you smiled and looked at Harry who who was staring at you.

“I think a nap might be a good idea.” Harry smiled and brushed the hair back from your face. 

“I just woke up though and you-” You yawned again. “you’re all here...”

“We’ll be here when you wake up love. Why don’t we run and get a snack and then when you wake back up we can all hang out again.” Louis smiled and you nodded looking at Harry again...you didn’t want him to leave.

“I-I don’t want to be alone..”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Harry smiled and kissed your forehead nodding to the rest of the group. “I’ll let you know when she's awake.” They nodded, telling you to sleep well and then left. Harry closed the door and placed another blanket on you as you shivered. 

“H?” You yawned again.

“Yeah?” He was holding your hand again.

“Will you snuggle?” You scooted over making room for him. He shook his head but you added an extra, “please?”

“I don’t want to hurt you...” He looked at all the wires and sensors on your body and shook his head.

“I just....” you felt tears form in your eyes. “I just need to know you’re here.”

Harry sighed, wiping your tears and carefully climbing in bed. “You okay?” he asked as he settled his arm around you.

“Mhm..” you nodded, snuggling your face into his chest and feeling safe for the first time since being awake. “Thank you for being here...”

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else... now close your eyes...” Harry hummed and the sound of his heart slowly beating allowed you to drift off into a peaceful sleep.

--

When you woke up, the sun was just beginning to rise. The orange color sky lighting up the room. You looked around, taking in your surroundings and remembering everything that had happened. What did confuse you was the lack of bodies in your room. Harry was no longer in bed, the guys were all missing.... “Good morning.” You smiled as Dr. Ren walked in holding his charts for your progression. “How are we feeling today?”

“Much better.” You smiled. “Still kind of sore but-”

“That will probably continue for a few weeks.” He grinned. “Good thing is that you look good, your vitals are all steady...there don’t seem to be concerns with how things are progressing at all. You’re good to leave. I’ll have my nurse fill out your discharge papers unless you have other concerns.”

You shook your head and smiled. “I’m ready to go home..”

“I bet.” He did a double check of injuries and then walked back towards the door. “Good luck at home...I’ll see you back in a few weeks for an evaluation on injuries okay?”

“Okay. Thanks again Dr. Ren.”

“Anytime.” He walked back out and you let out a sigh. You were ready to go home...to get out of this bed...to get back to reality. The reality that may be a little messy but was still better than the hospital. 

“Morning love.” Louis walked in with a smile and a muffin. “Thought you might be hungry.”

You nodded and smiled, taking the muffin from him and stuffing a bite in your mouth. “WheresfHarry?” you asked through a mouthful of food.

Louis raised an eyebrow and laughed, “Sorry I don’t speak muffin.”

You rolled your eyes and swallowed. “Where’s Harry?”

“Ah...yes...about him. He left.”

“What?” Your heart sped up and your mind clouded. Why would he leave? He promised he wouldn’t...

“He had a last minute meeting with management.”

“Oh.” Your heart dropped and you chewed your bottom lip. Management again. You would’ve thought you were more important seeing as you were in the hospital.

“He asked me to come check on you and make sure you got home okay.”

“Oh.” 

“Now now cheer up. You get to go home.”

“Yeah.” You smiled and Louis gave you the look.

“You know he wanted to be here.”

“But he’s not.”

“I know....” Louis knew what you meant. He also knew why Harry had to go. It was that fine line of being in the spotlight and trying to have a normal relationship.

You stayed silent eating your muffin and Louis didn’t interrupt. He knew there was nothing to say that could help. The nurse came in with discharge papers and handed you a bag with your belongings. Unfortunately your clothes had been ruined, covered in dirt and blood. Niall had left his hoodie though from the previous night which is what you had resorted to changing into along with your shorts which didn’t seem too bad..

Louis helped you out of bed and helped you maneuver the hoodie over your arms without completely feeling the pain in your ribs and the two of you walked out. Paparazzi had gotten word of the boys location so Louis fought through the crowds of cameras, one arm protectively wrapped around your shoulders until you made it into the car. The ride home was silent, you were wrapped up in your thoughts and Louis didn’t want to bother you. “Where are we going?” you suddenly sat up straighter, Louis had missed the turn to his house. 

“Aren’t I taking you home?”

“Oh...yeah.”

“I can take you to my place if you’d rather...”

“No...no...home is good.”

“You’re sure?” He looked over unconvinced but you nodded and smiled giving him some sort of reassurance.

He pulled into your driveway and Harry was standing on the porch waiting. You smiled, grateful you wouldn’t be left alone in the house immediately. You climbed out and Harry walked over, pulling you into a gentle but firm hug. “Welcome home babe.” he whispered, his lips pressing against your ear. You looked up and smiled but didn’t say anything, still a little upset he hadn’t been there to take you home. You shook your head and tried to push the thought out of your mind. At least he was here now. Harry didn’t seem to notice your silence but he was staring at the outfit you had changed into. “Why are you in this?” You could hear the jealousy in his voice even though he had no reason to have it.

“I didn’t have clothes there...Niall left it so I took it.” you shrugged.

“You could’ve called me. I would’ve brought you something.”

“Is it that big of a deal?” You looked into his eyes and shrugged. “No but-”

“You know if you had been there you could’ve given me something else but you weren't there were you.” You walked past him towards the door, ignoring the surprised look from Louis. “Babe I had-”

“I know. Management. Always more important..it’s fine.” You wandered in and Harry sighed, running to keep up with you.

“It’s not that they are more important....it’s just”

“That they are. Harry you always let them come between us.” You wiped a tear you didn’t even realize had begun to fall. “I needed you there. You promised you wouldn’t leave and you did.” You knew you were being a little unreasonable but you were still upset.

“I’m sorry I-”

“Whatever it’s fine. I’m going to shower.”

“(y/n) wait.” Harry grabbed your elbow but you shook free of his grip. “Babe...”

“Not now Harry.” 

----

Part 8 finally....this was hard to write I’m not sure why but It was kind of a killer.... I do know where the two final parts are going though so stay tuned!

xoxo

[almondharry]

you look so good : three

you look so good [10.8k]

“Don’t do it, M.”

“Do what?” Her voice was all too innocent. 

“I know what you’re thinking.”

Part three: Neumann’s Game Theory 

Neumann’s Game Theory

July 5, 2003

Genevieve’s forearms were gripped in an iron tight hold. Her mother’s long and bony fingers wrapped around like medieval vine; they curled and held Genevieve in place. With lips set in a thin line, her mother’s perfectly plucked brows were drawn in a scolding glare. The strength behind it could cut diamond.

“How did this happen?”

“I… I don’t know,” Genevieve mumbled. “I was playing and running really fast and I didn’t see the rock.” Her chin met the center of her collarbone. Loose pieces of gravel rolled under her shoe, the crunch calmed her. It was her favoured alternative over maintaining the heavy eye contact that glared from above. A drop of red splattered onto the pavement.    

“Oh, Genevieve.” The defeated sigh that slipped from her mother’s lips had less to do with mourning the dress, but more to do with the innocence that framed her rose tinted glasses. “Darling, there is only one thing I ask of you.”

Genevieve was no foreigner to her tone. It was laced with a classic sweetness, one that teachers liked to lay on thick when explaining instructions to kindergarteners.

Genevieve waited. She poked a finger in the horizontal slit of fabric that hovered above her knee. The broken threads were an easy fix; she had seen her mother tackle far worse from her work. She hypothesized it would take her six minutes at her sewing machine to restore the misalignment. It wasn’t those fancy new electric ones that had ten different settings. It was fashioned mechanically and had a joint foot pedal that Genevieve pretended was its best friend. It was humble and did all the required stitching.

“Yes, Mama?” Thin red streaks slid down the sides of her leg, tiny rivers went their separate ways. They darkened the navy blue of her dress.

Her mother’s eyes skimmed over Genevieve’s features in desperation. They took in her sweaty hairline, scratched cheek, and pouty lips.

Her tone dropped to a hush. It was a secret meant to be sealed between only them. “Never chase a boy, Genevieve. Don’t do it.”

***

October 31, 2019

Genevieve wasn’t used to the stop and go. It was something she never thought twice about when she was younger and needed to get across town, but now it was painfully obvious. A middle aged man in a green tie and second hand suit sat across the aisle from her. His ankle crossed over his knee and a newspaper open in his lap. At the front, three seats folded up and made room for a teenage girl in a wheelchair. She untangled the cord of her white headphones. A mother attempted to calm down her shrieking toddler. The boy, red faced and wet with tears, stomped his feet and waved his arms impatiently.

Genevieve didn’t mind the ruckus. Between being trapped in a self-imposed exile at a still library or the solitude of her apartment, the hustle of the city gave her much needed normalcy. Her head pressed against the window, she regretted her decision when the driver hit the brakes suddenly. The potholes on the concrete made her bang her forehead several times, but she kept it there because she liked to see her breath fog up the glass with each little puff. The cloudiness stained the window for a second before it disappeared. She enjoyed counting her exhales to pass time.

She was at a prime number, sixty-one, when the buzzing of her phone interrupted her recording.

Incoming Call. Meena.

Her thumb slid across the screen and she brought the receiver closer to her head. “I’m coming, I’m coming.”

“Where are you?”

“Right now? Just by King Street. Shouldn’t be any much longer. Maybe twenty minutes tops.”

“Well, hit the gas, you’ve been requested.”

Genevieve mentally went over the list of people who beckoned her. She had already texted Liam and informed him that she was running slightly behind schedule. That only left Niall.

“Niall?” She laughed. ”Tell him I can’t give him a ride tonight, my car is at the shop.”

“No, not Niall— wait, how are you getting here?”

“The bus.”

“Ooh,” she hummed in realization. The toddler was now invested in a juicebox, his nose sniffled and palm wiped at his eyes for dried tears. There was still honking on the street and Genevieve nodded along to the soft music from the car radio beside them. “Those things are never on time, no wonder you’re so far away.”

“Sixteen minutes now.”

“I could’ve given you a ride if I had known.”

“It’s alright, I’ll be there soon anyway.” Green Tie flipped the page, Genevieve briefly glanced at the stock market numbers. “What’s going on there? Have they got on yet?”

“Nope it’s some poetry thing right now, they won’t be up until later. Liza said something about two more people on the set list.”

The invitation for Liam and Genevieve had stretched out to a few more familiar faces. It was Halloween night, that meant The Cabinet had colourful drinks, orange and yellow streamers on the walls, and faux cobwebs lining the bar tops. Usually Ted wouldn’t have put much thought to it, but when he noticed the direct correlation in risen sales, he made it a full blown out theme. There was a popular promotion; if you came in with a costume you get a small percentage off your drinks.

“Liam just popped into the loo to fix his face paint. There’s a guy here with a very detailed Ironman getup. Niall has taken a liking to a brunette in a lingerie set. I think she’s supposed to be a bunny, or a hamster. My drink is making my lips blue.”

“Riveting.”

“I think so too. It makes me a more believable zombie while getting me buzzed. Talk about a two for one special—” There was shuffling, ice cubes clinking against glass—“oh shit, I think… I think I see Professor Biggins.”

Genevieve groaned. He had become a common topic of conversation with Meena. She would mostly drag his name through dirt for giving her a mark that she strongly argued she didn’t deserve. He was the type of professor that had a God complex. To do above and beyond in his class—the only thing that Meena allowed herself to do—you had to fight through the trenches with your own bare hands. “Don’t do it, M.”

“Do what?” Her voice was all too innocent.

“I know what you’re thinking.”

“It’s a perfectly casual setting. I’ll just buy him a drink and ask him to give me his thoughts on my rough draft,” she said. “I have a copy on my phone.”

“Really? Are you serious?”

“Okay, well it isn’t a rough draft.” She let out a disgruntled huff. “It’s actually my final that I worked my arse off for the past week. But I’m not gonna let him know that, of course. Knowing him, he will rip it to shreds and make it seem like a mess of jot notes instead of well developed arguments.” Genevieve heard a gulp over the line when Meena threw back her drink. “You know I saw Lucy Wallace leaving his office hours in tears. Lucy Wallace! Can you believe it? I’ve never seen that girl with less than a four point oh, and he broke her, Gen.”

“Oh my God, leave him alone, he’s probably there to relax and not be bothered by students.”

She scoffed. “Relax? If I can’t sleep because of this bloody essay then neither should he. It’s only fair.” Genevieve could picture Meena squirming off her bar stool. “And if he really didn’t want to run into his students, he should’ve thought of that before choosing a pub on campus.”

“You’re walking towards him, aren’t you?”

“Yup, ten steps away,” she said, without an ounce of shame. “I hope he recognizes me behind this makeup. For being such a young prof, you’d expect him to be somewhat lenient and not have a stick up his arse. I swear to you Gen, this man hasn’t a clue what mercy means.”

“I’m sure you’ll give him a proper schooling on it then. With the whole definition and everything.”

“And nothing less,” Meena agreed. “Text me when you get in, yeah?”

“Take it easy on him.”

“Not a chance, see you soon.”

***

Genevieve spotted Liam instantly. His Captain America shield, leaned against the wooden peg of the table, really gave him away. A simple light fixture dangled above them and spilled a dull orange hue. Across from him, Angie sipped a pink drink and Liza was in the middle of telling a story with expressive hand gestures. A witch hat contained her curls and matched the long black maxi dress that she had on. Genevieve grimaced at the dried beer on the floor; the soles of her shoes grew tacky with every step towards the table.

“—She was a complete psycho! Had too many screws loose!” Liza exclaimed with brows at her hairline. “I had a feeling from the start, Liam! But it seems like anything I say falls on deaf ears!”

Angie rolled her eyes with a bored expression. The jewelled bracelets that covered her wrist hit against the neck of her glass as she brought the rim to her lips. “She wasn’t that bad.”

“She wouldn’t let you come out with us.”

“That was a... misunderstanding.”

“She refused to get along with any of us for more than twenty minutes.”

“Some people like to keep to themselves. Introversion and all.”

“She threw your clothes off the balcony and almost started a fire.”

Angie hissed at the painful memory, her face crumpled as she swallowed her drink. It was easy to mistake her reaction as a liquor burn. “Okay, yeah, maybe that bit was a little too much.”

“Wait a second, she threw your clothes? From the balcony? Don’t you live on the twenty second floor?” Liam’s eyes could drop out of their sockets and roll on the table like a pair of dice.

“Lived. And it was the whole suitcase, unzipped, the whole shabang. Quite the show.” Genevieve’s eyes wrinkled with amusement when Angie waved her hands in a jazz like theatre fashion, a sarcastic smile pulled at her painted black lips. “I was just happy that my clothes broke the fall for my laptop. But she did manage to crack my camera lens.”

“She sounds delightful,” Genevieve said at last when she approached close enough to the group. Her teeth caged her bottom lip to bite a smile. Liam’s head whipped around and he stood up to grab an empty stool to join the table.

“Gen, don’t get her started, please,” Liza scoffed. She leaned forward and wrapped an arm around Genevieve’s neck to pull her in for a quick hug. Despite being taken aback by the immediate friendliness, Genevieve relaxed into her embrace. “We prefer not to have a reenactment of her many grieving nights. Thank you for making it.”

“Of course! Liam wouldn’t let me miss it. When do you guys go on?” Genevieve balanced herself on the stool after her jacket was shrugged off on a nearby hook. She shot Liam a nod in thanks.

He raised his glass of beer. The foam rested well below the halfway level. He pointed his index finger at it and his brows curled in question. Genevieve’s lips mouthed ‘sure’. He threw back what was remaining of his drink down his throat before he headed towards the bar. He slid at the empty spot beside Niall, who didn’t pay any attention, too engrossed in the brunette in front of him. He was given a twisted pinch on his side, he jumped and yelped in his seat and Liam snickered as the brunette walked away.

Liza’s eyes snapped to the inside of her wrist, they doubled in size when she analyzed the hour and minute hand. “Shit, in about fifteen. I should get going.”

The Cabinet was far from a fancy establishment. Genevieve recognized a few people from her course littered around the space, everyone had a drink in hand. There was a modest platform that served as a makeshift stage. Amps, mics, and a keyboard was plugged in and the thick black wires resembled withering snakes.

Liza’s block heels sounded against the floor as she hurried towards the side of the stage where a crouched down Zayn fiddled with a specific setting on the amp, dressed in all black. His neck arched towards her when she was close enough. He had a guitar pick between his teeth like a toothpick, it made his smile crooked. He plucked it out and  gave it to her in exchange for the microphone in her hand.  Beside him, another girl turned the knobs on a bass, probably giving it some last minute tuning.

“If I remember correctly, you must be Gen. Liam and Liza mentioned you a bit.”

“I am. All good things, I hope?” She laughed.

Genevieve was impressed by Angie’s outfit. Her shirt’s bell sleeves were wide and the length of her skirt stopped at two inches below the knee. Layered necklaces and rings glinted under the light. A scarf tied across her forehead held back her hair, but it peeked out slightly. It was the crystals on the table and a deck of cards that founded her hypothesis. “Let me take a guess… you’re a fortune teller?”

“Close, try again.”

“A gypsy?” Her voice squeaked in a higher pitch.

“I’m Angie, the tarot reader.”

“I’m gonna be honest, I don’t know the difference at all.” All the trinkets that laid on the table overwhelmed her. There were crystals in all shapes and sizes and charms that sat in a green bowl.

“Don’t worry, most people don’t. Here, do you want to give it a try? My great aunt swears by this deck.” Angie raised a brow. “She said something about how she had it spelled by a Sufi in India. Just between us, I think she’s ripping off the storyline of The Monkey’s Paw. But with her, who knows? Or maybe it’s the retirement home rotting her brain.”

“What is this exactly? How does is work?” It piqued an interest. Genevieve watched closely as Angie scooped the deck of cards to shuffle with expertise.

People tended to be a bit wary about myths, legends, and the ‘other world’. Genevieve understood the fascination that came along with it, but her belief regarding the supernatural was as weak as a packed public library’s wifi signal. Her belief stayed with something she could see and understand. For her, this was the existence of concrete numbers. If anything, a deck of cards was just another application of game theory. It was all permutations and combinations that were behind seeing the past or forecasting the future, not magic.

“There are two types of reading. You can do a question based or more of an open reading,” Angie said. “We’re gonna do an open one because that was the only one my aunt was willing to teach an eight-year-old on a snow day.”

“Sounds good, how do I start?”

“After the deck is shuffled, I’m going to lay out four piles of three cards each. All you have to do is tell me which pile you gravitate towards and we can go ahead with your reading.”

Genevieve nodded.

Angie’s fingers tapped the edges to align the corners; soon, the pile was neatly ordered. She gripped the two ends of the deck and bent them in a concave curve. One of her thumbs let go and the tension released, the cards slapped against one another in a harmonic way. After the shuffling, she distributed the cards on the table, her fingers looked like they were snapping at a poetry show except no sound came out, the card between her thumb and index prevented it. The cards were faced upside down, the intricate swirly blue pattern was identical on each card.

“You know what to do,” Angie hummed after she finished with the deck. She took a generous sip of her drink while waiting for Genevieve’s response.

She rapped her fingers on the table. There wasn’t a specific reason as to why her fingers drifted to tap the second pile to her right. Maybe because Genevieve’s hand was already propped on the table and it was the nearest deck her fingers could reach. Or maybe it was the Indian Sufi controlling her actions. Whatever it was, Genevieve hoped for the best.

Angie flipped the three cards over to reveal their faces. The blue pattern was replaced with three distinct images.

“Wow,” Angie said sharply under her breath. A whistle blew from her lips as she scanned the cards to interpret their meaning. On the first card, three women stood over flowers and fruit, all holding identical cups in the air. The second card had a skeleton in black armor riding atop the back of a horse. In his hand was a black flag. The last card had a royal figure behind a veil, a well-built pillar at each of her sides. “Three of cups, death, and the high priestess. Now that’s a complicated combination.”

“How so?”

“Well the three of cups means friendship which goes against the death card. And not to mention the high priestess means new knowledge. Which is a bit off. I think this has more to do with—”

Genevieve smelled his cologne before she saw him.

She felt heat lift off his skin from his close proximity. The space was packed, leaving him no option but to step into her bubble. His presence made Genevieve’s spine solid as a metal rod. The little hairs on the back of her neck bristled. Threatening scavengers wheeled hungrily above their table.

A glass full to the top was slid in front of her, the frothy foam almost dribbled over the rim.

“Don’t listen to her, this is all rubbish,” a voice to her left sounded, his breath hitting the shell of her ear. Genevieve wiggled on her stool at the jet of warmth that shot down her arm.

“Harry, you twat! Not on the cards! You know I have to give them back!” Angie lurched forward to swipe the cards nearest the drink. She began to collect all the spread out cards into her deck with a scowl. Genevieve could’ve sworn she felt a shy lingering palm hover over the small of her back, but Harry wasn’t brave enough to actually do it.

“It’s best you put them away before you give away another false reading. Wouldn’t be the first time, right Ang?” His voice was light and airy. It gave Genvieve the impression that Angie was the easiest to pick on in their group. From jokes about scorned exes to innocent jabs here and there, she took the brunt of it all.

As if it was even possible, Harry leaned further towards Genevieve, she was half a centimeter away from falling off her stool. He tapped the wood beside the glass with his pointer finger. “Liam sent this over by the way.” Genevieve nodded, without turning in her seat. Her throat was too dry to give a response, she gulped down her drink like it was water.

“Oh piss off,” Angie brushed off. Her eyes scanned Harry’s outfit and her mouth dropped open in offence. “What happened to the pirate get up? Wait, hold on a minute, do you guys know each other?” Her curious eyes bounced back between the two. Was the Indian Sufi working overtime?

Genevieve downed a large gulp to refrain from spitting her drink out. “What? No! Why do you ask that?” Genevieve coughed before Harry could answer.

Angie shrugged. “Looks like you coordinated outfits.”

Genevieve’s eyes snapped to green ones before they flickered down to his chest. The print was a carbon copy of the fabric that hung off her shoulders except for the number in the dead centre of the shirt. Thing 1. Thing 2.

Genevieve rolled her lips as she tried to think fast on her feet. Harry saw it in her eyes, the acute sense of panic. The answer being a simple yes prompted too many questions. Genevieve didn’t want to get into the how’s and the why's. It would be like untangling knotted necklaces that had very thin chains.

Sure, they did know each other at a different time. Now, years apart, the answer failed to uphold any truth. It was the same as admitting they didn’t know the other at all. Something passed between the two of them—a mutual understanding, a silent conversation.

Harry cleared his throat, his attention gravitated back to an expectant Angie. “By coordination, you mean picking the most common shirt as an excuse for an outfit, then yes, of course, we coordinated. Along with whoever is wearing a size small in this halfway across the world.”

“Forget it, I need another drink.” Angie’s curiosity went as quickly as it came. She slid off her stool and marched towards the bar. Her necklaces and rings jingled together like windchimes with every step.

And then there were two.

Harry pretended not to notice Genevieve wrap a broken fray of her jeans around her pointer finger. It was one of her many ticks. She picked at her clothing before an important presentation, a tricky exam, confrontation. She gave the thread a hard tug and it ripped off. She had one leg crossed over the other tightly on her stool. Her thumb caged the first knuckle of her ring finger.

Harry attempted to make eye contact, and she met his gaze for the length of a heartbeat.  

Harry watched as Genevieve released a relieved breath. Her tongue ran over her lips. “Thank you,” she sighed.

Neither of them knew if it was for bringing her drink over or keeping the veil on their past.

Before Harry could respond, there were two taps into a microphone. The electric shrill came to a stop; heads turned towards the stage.

“Having a good night everyone?” The small crowd gathered near the stage grew slowly as Liza adjusted her mic stand. It was like the beginnings of the holy mecca. An incoherent response was given in a cheer. “We’re The Red Day, thank you for having us! Our first song is one I’m sure will sound somewhat familiar. Here is Nine Hearts!”

Niall and Liam whooped and hollered from their new position closer to the stage. Encouraging claps and cheers were shouted. Angie raised her drink in support. Meena abandoned her professor for their set.

At the first few chords of Liza’s guitar and Zayn’s keys, Harry’s head turned to catch a glimpse of Genevieve’s reaction. He didn’t know if her music taste differed from what it was. Was she still into the same bands? Did she still hate karaoke? Somehow he thought his questions will be answered with a hopeful glance. Then his chin met his shoulder, a frown pulled at his lips. The stool beside him was vacant. She left a wet ring of water on the table, the only proof of her presence.

Genevieve was no longer there.

***

Sweat coated the back of Genevieve’s neck and the high points of her face. Drinks sloshed over rims and a couple drops misted her skin. The small space began to feel like a furnace, the dial set at the highest setting. Energy vibrated with ease through the huddle of strangers she found herself among. Her lack of height and the dim lighting did little to aide her view of the stage. Genevieve elbowed towards the flash of blond that caught her eye.

The song switched when Genevieve stumbled beside her friends.

“There you are!” Niall screamed, but his voice was muffled. He trapped her neck in the crook of his elbow, pressing a messy kiss to her matted hairline. “Haven’t seen you all night!”

“You have me now!” Genevieve knocked elbows with a boy who rushed to the bar. Her index finger and thumb squished Niall’s cheek. Even with the facepaint, his skin was flushed a certain shade of red he only got when was buzzed or severely sunburnt. “What’s this?”

“I’m a mime!” His costume only registered to Genevieve when her eyes landed on the black and white striped shirt. Her mouth parted in a drawn out Oh.

He pushed his drink into her hands before his raised to spread in front of him, an invisible glass barrier became apparent.

“You’re the loudest person I know, whose brilliant idea was this?” She snorted when his face contorted into extreme expressions. “Could’ve mistaken you for a clown. It’s more fitting.”

That prompted a deep chuckle from Liam. He was an arms length away. A blue drink in hand. With closed eyes, he nodded his head to the mellow beat of the music. A few lighters were in the air.

“Two costumes in one, I am going above and beyond! For the people, you know?”

“So generous.” Genevieve helped herself to his drink. It would be something that Niall would snatch from her if he was sober. Instead he swayed with the rhythm and mouthed the lyrics obnoxiously all while he clutching his heart.

Genevieve could only imagine the heat of the potted stage lights aimed at Zayn, Liza, and the unnamed girl. Sweat beaded their temples. She hadn’t been lucky enough to familiarize herself with their sound. As Genevieve concentrated on the music, a stubborn knot in her shoulder dissolved.

Liza was the frontwomen, a guitar strap slung around her neck and red lips kissed the mic. Zayn was a natural behind black and white keys, practiced fingers knew their placements as if he was recalling the alphabet. No-name controlled the bass with expertise, the sound traveled through floorboards and made toes curl. They were skilled at holding down a beat. The tempo and chord arrangements went together effortlessly. It testified to the hours spent at their craft.

Liza’s voice was deep and rough and settled in your bones. Zayn occasionally leaned forward into his mic to add light harmonies that complimented her voice. The contrast between them made for a balanced sound. The amps thundered as they progressed into the pre-chorus. The crowd became rowdy with anticipation. It was an electric, needy, callous disorder.

“I need to pee,” Liam winced, his eyes pinched in pain. He was in the middle of a funny dance. He adjusted his bulge and shoved his unfinished drink into Genevieve’s hand.

Genevieve’s protest didn’t make it out in time because Liam was gone in a flash. Her mouth hung open. His figure drowned in a sea of people.

The song neared an end. A roar flooded the bar, the praise and claps were deafening. It was obvious as daylight, they were pocketing hearts away with every strum of a guitar. Liza’s chest heaved to catch her breath. Her hair bounced as she crouched down, the mouth of a plastic bottle met her lips. While she hydrated, to keep the momentum up Zayn pressed closer to his mic.

“Evening everyone—”

Niall cupped his palms around his mouth in a makeshift megaphone. “Yeah, Baby!”

Zayn closed his eyes and exhaled a shaky breath before he gave an acknowledging nod. “And Niall.”

“Woo!” Niall—an embarrassing soccer mom on the sidelines—didn’t quite know when to stop with the positive reinforcement. A couple heads turned towards Niall and by association, Genevieve. Zayn began to thank the crowd and plugged the student radio that he had started with Liza as another place to find their music.

Genevieve’s elbow dug in the soft pillow of Niall’s side. “You know him?” She raised a brow and pointed her chin towards the stage.

“Who? Zayn?” Genevieve nodded in confirmation. “Top lad. I smoke with him at the back after every gig. You should come. He has the best stuff.”

Genevieve’s jaw hung open in mock offence. “He’s your pot buddy now?”

“That’s what you get for abandoning me.” Niall shrugged. “I move on fast, you know?”

Genevieve recalled the last time Niall had reached out to give his invite. It was one of those weeks where too many things piled right after the other. Where days blurred into one because professors couldn’t grasp the concept of strategically placing due dates, despite having fancy doctorate degrees. “It was finals week!”

“More the reason to do it, if you ask me.” He wiggled his brows. He sighed when she pouted. “Don’t be jealous, there’s still enough of me to go around.”

Genevieve rolled her eyes freely and took a swig of the amber liquid, it slid down her throat with ease. The chords of the last song floated into the air and Genevieve didn’t bother to fix the strands of hair that stuck to her face. Her feet swayed with Niall’s, featherlight and carefree. Their arms pretzeled each other’s shoulders as they lost themselves in the music. It was a mix of knocking knees and withholding the other’s weight. Their drunken stumbles didn’t hinder their experience, if anything, it amplified it.

Liam and Meena nursed their drinks on the other side of the bar. Attempts at reclaiming their spots proved futile as the crowd grew more relentless and chaotic. All hopes of a good view died at once, like an annoying house fly under a swatter.

Meena caught Genevieve’s glazed eyes. They held eye contact, it was something they did at parties or pubs. Touching base to make sure all things are in order. Are you okay? Do you want to leave?

Genevieve shot her a thumbs up with a bubbling smile to dismiss Meena’s worries.

Meena narrowed her eyes on Genevieve’s shoulder. Her own fingers came to pinch at her top. Don’t you sleep in that?

And?

It’s wrinkled.

Genevieve spotted Meena’s professor over her shoulder. He laid some bills down on the table and folded his wallet. He then made his way slowly approaching Meena. Of course, he wasn’t in her peripheral so she had no idea. Genevieve raised her pointer finger and pointed behind her. After half a second of confusion, she turned around and plastered on the fakest smile for Professor Biggins; a perfect enactment of a comedy and tragedy masks. And so the conversation of her shirt was dropped.

Liza and Zayn wrapped up the last song, coming to a graceful end. They said their goodbyes and were off the stage in no time. Zayn proficiently folded the stand of his keyboard. Liza made sure her guitar was snug as a bug in its case.

It was a blur. Niall shoved around the group of people which were taking too long to dissipate. Genevieve squeaked when a harsh tug trapped her wrist. Niall lead her towards the door of the back exit where Zayn and Liza helped themselves to a few water bottles. Their equipment leaned against the wall.

Niall threw his arms around Zayn instantly, the sudden force caused him to stumble back. Zayn recovered easily from his falter, then beamed at Niall with a wide smile.  

“You lot killed it! Insane! Absolutely smashed it!”

Genevieve nodded at Niall’s words. “It was amazing to watch, I’ll be sure to catch the next set.”

“We will definitely let you know when we get it lined up.” Liza glowed with post stage euphoria. You could reach out and practically touch the energy still buzzing around her. “Oh, Zayn! This is Gen!”

The quick introduction was met with a kind smile and nod.

“Ah, yes! Liam mentioned you.” Zayn’s thumb struck towards the iron gate. A red exit sign was fixated on hinges above. “We’re going out for a quick smoke. You’re welcome to join.”

It was a common theme, Genevieved noted. There was no awkwardness or tough exterior that needed to be cracked to befriend Zayn, Liza, and Angie. No deadbolts or fastened chains, instead a welcome mat situated boldly outside their door. Genevieve found herself taking a step in.

“Liz, you coming?” Zayn inquired when he spotted Liza shuffling towards the opposite direction.

“Gonna grab some drinks first. Rum and Coke good for you?”

“Yeah, hurry back.” Zayn pushed open the door and they stumbled outside one by one.

The cool breeze made it seem like they just exited a sauna, the heavenly contrast stretched a wide dopey smile on Genevieve’s lips. It was a narrow alley of two red brick walls. Flies circled the lined dumpsters, but they were far enough that the smell wasn’t unbearable. She had been here on many occasions. She once held back Meena’s hair as she vomited in the corner, then again when Niall needed a place to quietly cry after his first breakup, and once more when Liam became insanely paranoid after a happy pill.

Zayn and Genevieve bounced back the typical introduction. He studied life sciences, had three younger brothers, and was doing research with a professor Genevieve once had. Alongside his work at the radio, he proctored exams and did part-time hours at a record store down the block. He smiled with his tongue flattened behind the row of his top teeth. He had buzzed his hair to purposefully display the tattoo behind his ear.

Niall and Zayn got talking about the upcoming game. They made light conversation until the door flung open, abruptly. It slammed against the wall with great force.

“Fuck.”

The ugly screech of metal against brick didn’t falter Genevieve. The sight the door revealed did. Zayn grabbed the swinging door just before it had the opportunity to collide again.

“Jesus, H, you’re gonna have to pay a fortune if that falls off its hinges,” Zayn warned.

“All I have is ten quid.” The self deprecation was laid on thick, a nonchalant shrug tacked on the end of his sentence. In his hands were tall glasses, the pad of his fingers turned slightly white from their hold. “—And your drink.”

“Where’s Liz?” Zayn asked holding his drink to his lip as he looked over the rim.

“She popped into the loo for a bit,” said Harry. She is thankful for the few drinks circling her veins because it helped lessen the intensity of his gaze when he noticed her standing there. “She’ll be out with Angie in a minute.”

It feels like she’s in elementary school and in trouble. Her previous departure was still fresh in his head, it flared an insecurity in him that he thought was long put to bed.

Lately, Genevieve made him feel one prominent emotion. Her quick dismissals made him invisible, like a little boy in red shorts at a gym class line up that everyone knew would be picked last. He was a blackened steel pot pushed to the backburner. However, the difference between that boy and Harry was the years that separated them. He has learned the art of confrontation. He won’t hide in bathroom stalls during lunch, he will not cower from her rejection. He is here, whether she likes it or not.

Genevieve avoided him by taking an interest in the sky above with her fingers braided behind her back. She expected him to hand the drink and turn around, but like always—she is proven wrong about him.

Genevieve doesn’t realize how tight the ally was until Harry’s shoulders brushed the crest of her collarbone to take the vacant spot beside Zayn. She had instinctively pressed her back to the rough brick wall to create as much distance as possible. The back of her sneakers squished old cigarette butts lodged in the cracks of the pavement. She held her breath for a moment and deflated when the only thing left of him was a gust of wind.

“Perfect.” Zayn dipped his fingers to the back pocket of his jeans.

They were pre-rolled. The white of the paper is less transparent at one end and more opaque on the opposite. The two joints are rolled into a twist in a way that doesn’t make the length lopsided and uneven.

Genevieve wasn’t an habitual or chain smoker. In fact, she hated the smell of reminiscent smoke. She indulged herself every once in a while. Especially when the pace of everything increased to uncontrollable speed, when deadlines weighed down on certain pressure points and occasionally, when Niall begged her to. It was effective to take the heaviness off her, the feeling of carrying extra body weight would evaporate.

Zayn and Niall picked up their conversation, Harry adding his two cents here and there.

You can hear stumbling drunks coming out from the front doors of The Cabinet. A pair of heels dangled from a girl’s grip as she made a run to cross the street with a friend. It was nearing the time where tabs were closed out and cab rides would be split.

“Fuck,” Zayn groaned with one spliff trapped between his lips and the other one behind his ear. He patted his front and back pockets like he was looking for his car keys or wallet. His brows frowned as he repeats it again. “I think I dropped my lighter.”

“Oh, that’s no problem.” Niall waved. “Gen, you always keep one on you, yeah?”

It’s humiliating.

The simple question among different company wouldn’t be much of a concern. It was innocent and didn’t hold much significance in a stranger’s eye. But Harry’s ears perked up and brows jumped at the little piece of information. The way his eyes fixated on her added a double meaning, it was enough to make something crawl under her skin.

Tiny centipede legs stomped all over her. The scales of a snake slithered itself around her neck, gradually suffocating her airways. Her mouth filled with live cockroaches.

Genevieve’s stomach churned.

“Gen?” Niall elbowed her side, breaking her out of her trance.

“Yeah?”

“Lighter?”

“‘Course.”

It was a weak fumble, her fingers trembled as she plucked it out from her back pocket. It was the most mundane looking thing on the planet. The white colour was chipped at the sides. The sparkwheel was dulled, but worked just fine. The flint spring was probably a bit beaten down.

With the back of her nail, Genevieve flicked the guard off. Her thumb pushed down and her free hand cupped around the igniting spark. It took two tries before the fork gave away and released the gas from the valve. A candle light heat absorbed into her skin. She brought the flame towards Zayn. His face was a soft yellow, and the tip of the spliff glowed a burnt orange. The flame died when it was no longer needed. His hollow cheeks inhaled a drag. Lips curled and he hummed in content. When he exhaled, a pungent smell of cannabis floated through the air.

Zayn handed it to Niall before swapping it out with the unlit blunt. Genevieve repeated her motions once more.

“Shit,” Niall sighed in bliss. “This one’s a good one.”

He handed the joint to Genevieve. Her thumb and index finger pressed the rolled paper to her lips. The smoke was smooth and Genevieve held it in her lungs for a moment. White smoke puffed out and Genevieve wishes it was thick enough to block Harry’s intentive peering. Zayn offers him a hit, but he declined by raising his drink to his mouth.

Genevieve takes another drag and taps off the ashes before passing it back to Niall.

It goes on like that for a bit. A calming silence fluttered between them. It took about twenty minutes for the high to settle in. There is an upward buoyancy in oil which is greater than the downward force of its gravity. That is why oil floats when mixed with water. Genevieve’s insides feel like someone stirred a spoon in the mixture; uneven bubbles of separated oil danced towards the surface freely.

She noticed her reactions weren’t as sharp when she laughed a beat after Zayn’s joke. It was easier to smile; two invisible strings pulled at the corners of her lips like she was a puppet in a grand show.

One side of her face was warmer than the other. The alcohol and weed blurred the edges of her view, but she felt his eyes on her. She stamped her eyes shut and threw her head back, soft giggles broke through. Everything was funnier when you were stoned. Her knuckle collected an escaped tear from her glassy eyes.

If Genevieve was sober, Harry would’ve looked away when she caught him. There was something charged in the air. He hadn’t seen her like this much before. She anticipated him to blink away when Genevieve locked her eyes on his. But he was shameless, and as usual, she held his stare for a moment too long.

Her fingers swiped the blunt from Niall. She took another hit in hopes of deluding herself into thinking that the tension between them was imaginary.

She inhaled too quickly. The smoke trapped in her windpipe and she spluttered a few coughs. Her eyes stung and fresh tears surfaced. Genevieve passed the spliff back to Niall and tipped her head back. The wall behind her propped her weight as she took a minute to calm her breathing.

In her compromised state, she could only think one thing clearly. She had to get out of here.

“I’m gonna grab some water.”

She didn’t wait to hear their response. She pushed herself off the wall. The door pulled open under her grip and Zayn and Niall said something she couldn’t make out. Her eyes squinted to focus under the soft yellow lighting. She made a beeline towards her jacket. It was easier to navigate the premises since a large amount of people had filtered out. Genevieve took out her phone and typed away.

Going hooome. -Gen

A bing sounded from her phone. The name of the group chat lit up as she wrestled an arm into her jacket.

If you wait half an hour, I’ll take you. Need to sober up first. -Meena

Gen whyyyy, stay for a bit longer! -Liam

I’m so stoned. I’m gonna go home and stuff my face with food. Or sleep. -Gen

Don’t worry, M! I’m already out! Where are you btw, didn’t see you? -Gen

Washrooms! There is a huge line :( -Meena

A girl is wearing a nice skirt, should I ask her where she got it from? -Meena

Munchies? -Niall

You know it -Gen

Eat a bag of chips for me -Niall

Maybe two -Niall

Ask her about the skirt. I have my money on H&M -Niall

Text when you get home safe -Liam

Genevieve walked for five minutes. The door of The Cabinet was far enough to be a miniature entrance of a dollhouse. She had missed the last departure time of the bus and decided the crisp night air would make for a sobering walk. Her reflexes were still a bit delayed. The traffic lights glowed on the sidewalk pavement until she harshly blinked to steady the blurred image. Everything was sluggish, her vision muddled and a few green and red circles floated about.

She recalled the corner shop from her childhood house, it sold cheap DVDs. The sleazy man at the counter never denied burning them illegally. The image quality was broken and poor. Her hands were a clump of squared pixels that took a minute to buffer.

The last button of her jacket was secured when loud footsteps mirrored hers from behind. She gripped the metal chain link of the bag sat on her shoulder tightly.

It was dark. Especially now that she passed the strip of convenience shops, no open signs lit up the streets.

She inhaled a shaky breath through her nose and a jagged puff came from her parted lips. The sweat from her palms caused her grip on the bag to slide down.

It could be nothing. Maybe she was hearing things. She didn’t want to assume the risk of turning around. Instead, she counted her steps from each lamp post to the next. They weren’t consistent. The range was from ten to sixteen. The mean would lie around twelve. The mode was eleven.

Before she began to compute the median, she choked on a sharp intake of air as the footsteps neared closer than ever.

Her neck stretched and examined her surroundings. You were intentionally supposed to put yourself in a very visible place or somewhere where a witness could be found, something she once read in an article online. Genevieve made note of the houses that still had their lights on.

“Are you avoiding me?” An exhausted voice huffed out. Impatient with a hint of naked hurt. “You are, aren’t you?”

Fear clenched her jaw. Her brain waved tiny red flags, the ones that topped cupcakes. The familiarity of the voice shot a clear fishing line and sank its hook in the flesh of her shoulder. The reel was being taken in and slowly she turned around. The crunch of gravel distracted her from the erratic thump thump thump of her pulse.  

“Harry?” She wheezed. She expected his name to roll off easily, but she stuttered and added another syllable. His name sat on her tongue with the weight of a rounded pellet.

“‘Course, who else would it be?”

“Holy fuck.” Stress alleviated only when he stood under the light of a lamp post. Her shoulders eased as the impending horror diluted. “Don’t you know not to creep up on someone who is walking the street alone? I thought you were a murderer!”

“Oh–shit, I didn’t think of that,” he confessed with a sheepish smile. A wave of humility flooded his features and he glanced towards the sky. With his fists deep in his jean pockets and head thrown back, he never looked more youthful. “Well if it’s any reassurance, I’m not.”

“Lovely.”

He spluttered a laugh at her impassive tone. “Is that a new thing of yours? Not answering questions?”

“What gives you the impression I’m avoiding you?”

“You ran out of there like a bat straight out of hell.”

“I have an 8 a.m tomorrow.” She didn’t. “Nothing personal, don’t be so sensitive.”

Harry uttered a string of words under his breath so incoherent they never made it to Genevieve’s ears. His boot kicked a pebble off the sidewalk to the empty street. Genevieve and Harry watched it skip twice before it laid in an anticipated still.

His boots resumed their trek towards the direction she had previously set her path to. It was a line of residential houses. Each one had identical roofs, a sharp triangular hat. He passed four houses before it dawned on him. He didn’t feel another presence trail after his shadow. Long legs halted in an abrupt stop. He peered to his left before he turned around fully, arms raised in question. “Well, come on then! What are you waiting for?”

“What are you doing?”

“Walking you home.”

Genevieve snorted. “That is the last thing I need”

“Oh, come off it. You’re out of your mind, literally. And you yourself said that there are actual murderers on the street.”

The prolonged silence didn’t falter for a moment. Crickets chirped and a frog groaned from the nearby pond. Genevieve held his stare without remorse. He needed to offer a compelling reason as to why walking her home was his concern. It hadn’t been for the past three years. She was far from a little girl who needed her hand held to cross the street.

It took a moment, but he finally caved.

“I’m headed in that direction anyway.”

Genevieve didn’t throw him a bone right away. His proposition molded into a clay-like fixture and took shape in Genevieve’s mind. The newfound tangibility allowed her to rotate it on an xyz plane to analyze from every which way.

Her weak inhibitions, admittedly the reason behind her decision, coupled with a lack of energy to put up a fight contributed to possible human error. She dragged her feet towards him, a ball and chain clasped snug around her ankle. Her mother’s words vanished into thin air.

The moon, a clipped toenail, played a game of hide and seek with surrounding clouds. It would peek out every other second—a shy toddler that clung to their mother’s calf. Thin overgrown grass blades swayed with the wind and became italicized, upright, then italicized again. A steady and delicate whoosh sounded between them rhythmically, their own personal metronome.

It was alien to walk side by side him. Short legs worked twice as hard for every step he took. To her memory, it was never this demanding. Her breaths, once even, began to puff out in quick jabs after a few steps. It blemished the silence and perked Harry’s ears. In an instant, his pace was adjusted and Genevieve was no longer the victim to his strides.

Harry’s index fingernail scratched above his top lip. It was his attempt to hide a budding smile. “You smell like maple.”

Harry had a tendency to short circuit, there were times he blurted out a phrase or thought meant to be kept in the space between his ears. He had explained it to her as an involuntary muscle spasm, he could control the twitch at times but he would slip up once in a while. His statement was full of surety, an irrefutable fact. For a second, she ignored it.

He turned to her with a boyish grin, it coined a painfully deep dimple to his left cheek. It conveyed that this was no slip up, it was deliberate.

“What?” Her laugh was dry and perplexed under his observation.

“And weed, but mostly maple—like the syrup. Is it a new perfume?”

Genevieve pressed the neck of her shirt to her nose and sniffed the cotton. She only smelled the weed. “I think you’ve finally lost it. Haven’t you?” Harry grinned to the floor, bashful and content. His hair flopped on his face. “Along with a couple of inches. Finally figured out where the barber is located?”

“You don’t like it?” He feigned offence.  

“Doesn’t matter what I like, I don’t think I’ve ever seen your ears. It’s different, that’s for sure.”

“Good different? Bad different?” He prodded. “You gotta give me something to work with here.”

“Neither… I guess? It’s just changed, is all.” The pathway curved into a right turn. They passed by a low shrill of a heater attached below a window. “People change, it’s expected.”

“Not as much as we like to think, no,” he countered, his fingers threaded his hair back. “You are a prime example, haven’t changed a bit.”

Genevieve was unaware if he had taken to being the devil’s advocate as a part time hobby, but regardless she took his bait. They still had quite the trek to cover. “What makes you think that?”

“Well for starters, you still run a bit late.” A snicker fell from his lips, adolescent yet collected. A thumb jutted out from his closed fist.

“Well, it is better than not coming at all.”

“You only drink Stellas.” His index finger appeared. She felt like he put her smack dab in the middle of a boxing ring. He was red gloved offence which left her to fulfill the defence vacancy.

“—A classic. Can never go wrong with it.”

“Can’t smoke without coughing.”

“Hey. Happens to everyone. Mild error.”

“And carry that lighter.” The slow ringing in her ear ascended in volume like a train arriving at a platform. Tight sheets of saran wrap roped around her face. “One that’s not yours.”

Ah, there it was.

Her lungs were empty, winded as though he had delivered a suckerpunch to her gut rather of a small observation. Out of the four fingers, his middle one had a metal band. An ornate rose— bloomed, its petals laid vulnerably wide open. Would it leave a scar? Her bottom lip cushioned the front row of her teeth as she sorted her brain for something, anything.

“It’s a very useful tool. Comes in handy multiple times, more than you can imagine.”

He had a good eye, perfect vision, and an even better insight to see right through her.

Harry pursed his lips. “I’m sure it has.”

The shift in the atmosphere right before it begins to pour mesmerized Genevieve. The air would be stale and thick. It held a suffocating weight and the unbearable humidity made it harder to draw a breath; each inhale came through the narrow valley of a plastic straw. That’s how it felt standing beside Harry. She had forgotten about it for years, but now it mocked her head on.

“But these—” the pad of his index finger tapped his temple twice—“These are new, right?” He expertly switched topics when her head bowed down and an ashamed stare fixed on the pavement for a moment too long.

The reply wasn’t immediate and Harry kicked himself for bringing it up in the first place. He disrupted the natural current of the conversation and it was achingly obvious. He should’ve kept his mouth shut, probably even locked it and tossed the key down the gutter. They don’t talk about it, it’s something they don’t do.

A punishing silence dragged on for an eternity. She forgot how to string together a sentence. Time was needed to collect the pieces of her scattered brain.

Eventually, she gave out a long defeated hum. “They are, how do they look?”

The glasses sat on the bridge of her nose were wide framed. If you looked closely they had a tortoise pattern, the colour of toffee. When she smiled, the apples of her cheeks pressed to the underside of the plastic.

“So good.” He didn’t miss a beat.

She smiled, halfheartedly.

Good. Nothing had felt good for a long time. Genevieve didn’t realize it for a while. Denial was a wicked witch that masked what lay in front with a dozen spells. The days continued to come one after the other. Consecutive and strict. Then Mondays got confused with Thursdays. Months came and went. And suddenly it was years later. Everything was gone. He was gone, until he wasn’t.

“Enough about me.” She cleared her throat before it knotted in on itself. “How’s Esther?”

“Annoying as ever.” He rolled his eyes, words dipped in fond admiration. It was love, gentle and timid. “She doing great. We’re talking more now.”

“That’s good,” she sighed. That was the bitterest pill of them all. Harry was good. So good.

“She wanted to meet you.”

Her head shot up, she brought her hand to her chest. “Me?”

“Yeah, she asks about you a lot.” Genevieve gulped at the piece of information. She assumed Harry would have avoided bringing her up to others. The only way Genevieve could see herself in his current life is as an abandoned cardboard box, shoved in the back of his closet. Only opened to reminisce about what was. “Didn’t know how to tell her you won’t pick up my calls.”

“I got a new number. Dropped my phone in the toilet.”

“‘Course you did.” Her building came into view and Harry feels like someone flipped an hourglass. Each grain fell too quickly. Harry’s vision darts around his surroundings as if he is in search for a lost valuable. He doesn’t look for an item in particular, but he hopes to find another topic of conversation to prolong the definite departure. His hands tremble. No matter how tight his fist clenched, the grains slipped.

He began his sentence without knowing how it will end. “You should… you should come over for dinner.”

The helplessness in his plea made Genevieve question his invite. “Dinner?”

Shaky fingers combed his hair back. He gripped the crown of his head in tepid frustration. “Yeah, or I don’t know, lunch? Breakfast? Brunch?—”

Genevieve saw the anxiousness grow in his eyes, a beast slowly rising from its slumber. If he had all the time in the world, he would spend it on completing his list. They would be there all night.

She knew better than to make promises she couldn’t keep. Committing to dinner with a non-existing appetite wasn’t at the top of her list, priority wise.

“—This is me,” Genevieve stated to put him out of his misery. A yawn escaped her. She wanted nothing more for her pillow to bear the weight of her head, which felt like a million pounds and more.

“I know.”

She coughed in her fist, a flush crept up her neck. Of course he knew. She busied herself with plucking the bundle of keys from her bag. “How far off are you?”

“Oh not by much.” His unclear answer made Gen tilt her head. A question mark hung in the air. “Just that way,” he added. A thumb pushed towards the street on the left. It didn’t even have a name plate on it.

It was one of the things about him that made Genevieve red in the face on multiple occasions. It was never a linear answer with him. He danced around to an nth degree. What do you want to eat? Anything. What time can you come around by? I don’t know, maybe seven. Where will you be at Tuesday? Can’t tell. Can you do this for me? I’ll try. At times, Genevieve wanted to dump a can of grey paint on him because that is the only colour he knew.

“Where do you live, Harry?”

“Are you inviting yourself over?” He was all cheek and wit. A tactic Genevieve saw him pick up from the master himself.

“Just answer the question.”

Genevieve doesn’t know why his living accommodation takes an interest. She conditioned herself to stop caring for his well-being and whereabouts ages ago. That’s something they don’t tell you about broken friendships. You can never resort to a hundred percent erasure of someone. There is no backspace or delete button.

Maybe a part of her wanted to know if he was actually safe, secure and stable, or if it was a front. She wanted a person to compare herself with. Sometimes Genevieve pictured them as two athletes on a track field sprinting towards the finish line. The white line signified growth, healing, and closure. Genevieve was always behind him.

“Edison and Fourth, apartment nine,” he clarified. His weight shifted from his heels to his toes. “It’s decent, but has a slight mice problem. Zayn has set up traps.”

Genevieve blinked robotically when she mapped the intersection in her brain. She frowned when the red pin dropped on the map. “That’s like a thirty minute walk in the opposite direction.”

“I’ll manage, I think I saw a bus stop not far away.”

It would’ve been a much shorter and efficient route straight from The Cabinet. Instead, his insisted pit stop tacked many more steps than needed.

“You really didn’t have to go out of your way to walk me.”

“Yes I did,” his firm tone didn’t waver. The next words flowed like ripples do in a river. “I always will.”

Genevieve slipped her fingers into her back pocket and retrieved her phone. It was warm from her body heat. Her thumb hovered over the screen until it lit her home screen, the bottom half of her face illuminated with a fluorescent light. Her thumb tapped over an application before she typed in the address previously given as the desired destination. A bubble popped up with a potential driver and route. “I’m calling you an uber.”

“No you aren’t. It’s a waste of money.”

She looked up with a bewildered expression. “Don’t be crazy.”

“Cancel it.”

She hadn’t confirmed it, her credit card information covered the screen, but she wasn’t going to let him be privy to that. “No.”

It was unexpected, to say the least.

He jolted towards her in a way that blinded her eyesight to only the colour of his shirt. Red. Red. Red. Her nose brushed against cotton over his shoulder, lint rubbed against her nostrils. His smell reminded her of the grocery store aisle with all the detergents and softeners.

The lack of distance distracted her for a moment. “What are you—hey give that back.”

His fingers brushed against hers were like hot coal. The device was swiped away as if he had the hands of a practiced kleptomaniac.

“I said I am fine as is.”

Maybe it was the effects of alcohol and weed that set something off in Genevieve. It flicked a switch that she had no idea existed, his fingers crawled deep in her chest and pushed the lever up. Anger bubbled and frustration swelled in her. The simmering volcano rose.

“Can you just stop! All of it!” The pads of her fingers dug into his shoulder as she gave a hard push. He staggered back two steps from her force. When space was created between them, Genevieve exited a narrow tunnel, seeing the whole picture and not just some biased misrepresentation. “Showing up everywhere, giving me drinks, walking me home.”

Harry’s face crumpled like a ball of paper being thrown in the nearest trash can. His posture slumped, shoulders caved in on themselves.

“That’s a bit harsh, no?” When Genevieve didn’t reply to him he bit his lower lip. His unsure steps neared her, his voice dropped to a different modulation. Tender and watchful. “Genny...”

“—No, no.” Her words broke by a parched laughter that bordered hysteria. She backed away cautiously when his eyes glimmered with something. He was doing it again. The signature pleading glaze enticed its prey. It got him many things in life: assignment extensions, a bed, with a blonde if he was lucky. “I’m not doing this with you, not again.”

“Can you just hear me out?”

Genevieve’s expression was frozen in a revengeful scowl. She compressed her lips together, an attempt to not spew out nasty words. The skin around her lips turned a shade of white from the lack of blood flow to the vessels. There was only so much self control one could contain. She reserved her ration for a particularly complex problem or when Jonah was getting on her last nerve. Genevieve hadn’t penciled in a portion to give to Harry in such a long time.

“What’s there left to hear, Harry?” She exploded and his shoulders dropped immediately. A yellow light turned on behind a window pane in the building above her from the sudden raise in volume. She inhaled a slow breath in order to contain herself. Her fingers knotted in her hair and she inadvertently felt her throbbing pulse. Her hands motioned in the space that divided them. “This, us? Whatever you’re trying to find again, is not there. You’ve got an amazing life, even better friends. Hell, they’re probably a thousand times better than I ever was.”

“Not true, don’t do that—”

“You don't get it, do you?” Her voice croaked. Genevieve trained herself to not break composure near Harry. She memorized the floorboard to such a detail that she could navigate the house blindly, but now her weight gave away on a loose piece of hardwood and it creaked. “You’re making me think about it all again and it won’t be long until I go weeks without sleeping. I need you to...” Her nostrils flared to inhale a breath, she held it in her lungs as if it delayed the inevitable. But the silence spoke.

I need you to leave me alone. I need you to go away.

He shook his head rapidly. Stern determination fixed in his every word, “I’m not doing that. Not again.”

“Why the hell not?” She spat. Her nails pressed stinging half moons into her palm. Her words, rather vindictive and eroded, were rightfully just. “You were so quick to do it before.”

She looked into his eyes, they were level headed and cool; a complete juxtaposition when compared to hers. Harry wondered when her face became gaunt and the darkness of eyebags took up a permanent living.

“Genny.”

She wasn’t five years old anymore, but a horizontal sting settled above her knee. Her skin ripped open, red splattered all over the floor. He wore red. She saw red. She spilled red.

“I’m tired, Harry.” Admitting this made Genevieve feel small. She closed her eyes and waved her white flag.

Being around Harry was gruesome. Genevieve could only compare it to a drained battery. She didn’t have enough fuel to do this with him. The cogs were rusted from not being used in ages. He brought the rim of a metal container to her lips. His fingers clamped on the back of her neck to keep her in place as he tilted the container up. He poured battery acid down her throat. Concentrated sulfuric acid blackened her insides and poisoned her with every sip.

“I’m so tired.”

***

“On Hallowe'en the old ghosts come about us, and they speak to some; to others they are dumb.” - Hallowe'en by Eleanor Farjeon

---

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[jenni42085]

Made in the Am <seven>

Made in the AM: Seven 

Liam's POV

 The past few weeks touring with Alex has been quite fun. She is a breath of fresh air to our crew. She has been more outgoing and not so closed off since our drunken game night. The working out twice a day with me has helped her a lot, her clothes are extremely baggy which makes me happy, I just wish she would get clothes to fit her properly and show off her new figure. The only time I see her in form fitting clothes is when she is working out. After the day her pants almost fell off she went out with Lou for work out clothes.

 Her relationship with Harry is kind of awkward to say the least. I think we all figured since they were openly making out that they would couple up but there is hesitation on both sides. He spends time with her and I can tell they enjoy each other's company but there is some kind of disconnect.

 Thankfully her lack of relationship with him hasn't messed up her writing ability. She was able to write Love You Goodbye with Louis because he ran into Eleanor when we were in London and it was slightly awkward it took him a few days to get out of the funk but the song helped. We got to record a song call Olivia that we had been working on, Alex was impressed that we were able to do this all alone. Recording at Abbey Road was quite epic since it was bringing back the feeling of the Beatles which was refreshing.

 "So when is Tori meeting up with us?" I ask while spotting Alex on the bench press.

 "Umm in a few days. I'm meeting her at O'Hare. Why?"

 "Just wondering since Niall keeps talking about meeting her. Have they been texting?"

 "Yeah, they apparently text way more than I was anticipating. But it's cute. They both need some love." She says sincerely.

 "Speaking of love...." I pause as she hold the bar as she is about to start her last rep. "What is going on with you and Harry? I can tell you like each other. You stare at him when he isn't looking and vice versa. Maybe you should...."

 Alex finishes her rep then sits up looking slightly frustrated. "Maybe I should what? I'm not his type. I'm not..."

 "You aren't what?" I ask feeling frustration coming over me. She looks fit on the outside, I just want her to get the idea that she is overweight and unloveable most importantly not good enough for someone.

 "I'm not what he wants. He might just want to play with my heart and break it."

 "Nah, don't believe all that shit you hear. He isn't a bad guy. I see the way he looks at you. Just don't let your fear hold you back from being happy."

 "I know. I've been talking to Lou and Tori about it so I'm trying. I just need some girl's time to get myself in the right head space."

 "Ok. I'm not trying to force you into anything that you aren't wanting but you guys look miserable with out each other."

 "I know."

 Hopefully when Tori comes she came make time for her to have her girl talk. I know Lou talks to her a lot but I guess it isn't the same as your best friend. They just both seem to light up when they are near each other even if they aren't talking. It is so weird though for Harry to not pursue her when he admits he gets jealous. Love can be confusing like that I guess.

*****************************************************************************************************

Alex's POV

 I can't wait to see Tori! It feels like it has been ages since we've had a sleep over and just been able to chill. Being away from her and home has been slightly stressful but touring has been ok. I was able to come up with a song but I still have a ton of ideas that I just need to sit down and refocus my energy to that. Granted I got to see the boys record at Abbey Road. Their album is really coming together. Plus I was able to get a song done with Louis, he is more sensitive than I knew. 

 This trip has also been an eye opener with getting to see and explore places with Niall even though I have been linked to being with him per the media since we have been exploring the world together. Liam has been the best work out partner a girl could ask for I've lost 25 pounds since I first met him. Louis is my dance partner when I want have a late night dance party and always keeping me smiling. His habit of pulling pranks never get old.

 Harry and I are still on a slight disconnect. My heart wants to be with him but my head says other wise. Every time we are around each other he makes it his business to touch me or I can feel his gaze on me but he won't ask me out.  Or at the very least ask for some alone time.   His crazy long curly hair and green eyes are quite magnificent to look at. I just wish I knew what was going on inside his head because his behavior makes me feel conflicted like I'm not pretty enough for him.

 "Alex, are you ready to go pick up your friend?" Lou asks me excitedly as I'm tying my basic black converse up.

 "Yeah. Just about. I've missed her face."

 Lou picks up Lux, "Is Niall coming to see his dream girl?"

 "No. I told him to stay put because the paparazzi might be out waiting for us. I just want to get in and out of the airport with no issue."

 "That is true."

 The car ride to the airport was fun. Don't get me wrong I love the boys but I need girl time. Lou seems to pick up on my stress just like T does.

 "What's the matter?" she asks over my sunglasses.

 "Liam thinks I need new clothes." I reply sighing out the window. "He thinks I need more confidence."

 "Well you do!" Lou practically shouts at me which throws me off guard.  Thankfully Tori's flight landed before we got there and she was waiting out side for us.  After a quick hug she jumps in the Range Rover with us.

 "Alex don't take it the wrong way but I love your weight loss but your clothes aren't reflecting it at all.  You look frumpy.  How about before meeting the guys for dinner you, me, and Lou play dress up a little?" Tori says while text Niall.

 "But..."

 "No buts! I have already told Niall that I will see him at dinner."  She smiles as she is looking at her phone.  "I'm kind of nervous to meet him."

 "Wonderful! Tori, you have nothing to worry about he has been talking about you ever since he knew you were coming.  Now on to the mall." Lou says as she is googling the nearest mall.

 I let Lou and T dress me in several different outfits. We go to atleast six different stores getting me outfits since none of my other clothes seem to fit my body anymore. As we are in Forever 21 Lou examines my braids.

 "How about we take these out? You've had them in a month almost. Let me play with it." She asks thoughtfully.

 "Can you do black hair?" I ask. I wasn't trying to be rude or funny but you just can't let anyone do your hair.

 "Girl yes! I am a pro. Are you natural or relaxed?"

 "Natural."

 "Even better."

 I feel awkward and unsure of everything. "Why are you guys so excited to do this?" Both of them look back and forth to each other like reading each other's mind. "Well?" I ask waiting for an answer.

 Tori pulls me next to her on the bench. "Well, Niall has been telling me about Harry and you. I just think you both need a little push. So we are making you show off you body a little bit more. Not that I don't love your style but it needs some feminine fitted flare and kind of make Harry want you."

 "What??" I cock my head to the side giving her a shocked expression. So trying to get me to show a little skin for the guy. "If I'm not his type and he doesn't like me what makes you think this will help?" I ask while examining myself in the mirror.

 Lou joins us on the bench with Lux. "Simple. Harry watches you all the time but he gets nervous around you, he is still unsure of the kiss was a fluke."  I look at her with a shocked expression.  "What?  He tells me a lot when I'm getting him ready for a show.  We are just making you more appealing so he can approach you more often.  Give you balls to show him you like him."

 I sigh. I really don't know how to take this all. Granted yes I needed new clothes but I don't foresee him changing because of more feminine fitted outfits. Since that crazy drunken night we have shared a few moments. When the plane hit really bad turbulence on our way back to the States he saw that I was having a slight panic attack, he got up from his seat, and held my hand while I squeezed the life out it until we landed. And most of the rides back to the hotels after a show we would be near each other and we would fall asleep on one another. "I just don't know if I'm ready." I reply feeling unsure of myself even though I think he is good people just don't know if he is my person.

 Tori sighs at me. "Just try it once. If nothing happens tonight then you can go back to jeans and t shirts. Ok?"

 "Deal. I just hope I didn't completely waste my money." I reply slightly feeling hopeful as I look at myself in the mirror. I'm actually wearing leggings and I don't look as big as a house. I look quite thin. Maybe form fitting clothing isn't so bad.  Even if we don't work out at least I'll look kind of cute.

 They both pick up on me examining myself in the mirror. "I think you will keep the clothing either way. You look great." Tori says with a smile. "Ok let's get back to the hotel so we can finish getting you ready for our dinner. Niall says this is a fancy restaurant. So we have to look great."

 We gather the bags and Lux then head back to my room thankfully avoiding the guys. Lou puts Lux down for a nap while Tori and I start taking out my braids with the two of us taking them out we were done in no time. Lou practically throws me in the shower so I can wash and deep condition my shoulder length black naturally curly hair.  

 "Wow! Your curls are really beautiful! Like I'm not having much work to do on you!" She replies excitedly while combing her fingers through my hair.

 Tori joins us in the bathroom with curlers in her hair. "I know right. She has always had awesome hair. Lou thanks for helping us out tonight."

 "No worries. Like I told Alex when I first met her, doing the boys hair and make up all the time gets boring this is so much fun!"

 Buzz Buzz Buzz. I pick up my phone. "Liam says we have to meet them downstairs in five minutes."

 "Well we are done. Just look at yourself. You really look amazing!" Lou says as she stands back to look at her handy work.

 She has decided to let my naturally curly stay out with it parted on the side with a burgundy flower pinned in it. We picked out three different dresses while shopping and I opt on my favorite a burgundy off the shoulder skater dress with black ankle boots. Lou gave me simple black wingtip eye liner but bright red lips. After I throughly take in my new look I'm shocked to say the least I turn around and look from Lou to Tori. "Thanks guys! I really look beautiful!"  I start to tear up a little because I didn't think I would ever look this good. 

"Well duh! Don't smug your makeup.  No tears.  You have always been you just need us to help you see it!" Tori says. "Come we need to get down there before we are late."

 "Ok. Thanks again Lou." I say walking out the door behind Tori.

 "No problem! Knock him dead." Lou yells.

 We walk down the hallway and get to the elevator in silence. As we are going down I can see the guys anxiety washes over me. "You can do this Alex. You look amazing. If he doesn't see it then you don't need him." Tori says.  I nod as she squeezes my hand as we go the corner to see the guys.

 I can do this.

*****************************************************************************************************

Harry's POV

 "So let me get the straight Tori has been here a day and you haven't met her yet?" I ask as Niall is cleaning his glasses.

 "No. She said she was having a girl's day with Alex and Lou. Whatever that means." He says checking himself in the mirror.

 Louis walks up to us and puts his arm around Niall's neck. "Aww look at the nervous little man."

 "Dude sod off." Niall replies as he fixes his hair again since Louis ruffled it a little. "Per Tori they were getting Alex a new wardrobe."

 That sentence alone made my ears perk up. I had been noticing she was slimming down but she hadn't really shown it off, hopefully the time with the girls changed it. I just want her to kind of be like she was when we were drinking, daring, happy, and confident.  That kiss has been on my mind more times then I care to admit. I just want to feel her lips on mine again.

 "Damn!" Liam says while he is staring at the elevator. "Just damn she looks great!"

 At that statement we all shift our attention to the glass elevator that is coming down. I recognize Tori from the times I've walked past Niall on his computer and she was the screen Skyping him. I saw the other figure in burgundy and wasn't sure it was really Alex until she turned around. She looked absolutely stunning.

 "Wow." We said in unison.

 Niall looks at me, "Will you finally make a move on her? She looks amazing. Please don't make her feel like she did this in vain."

 "Agreed. She looks way out of her comfort zone. Make her feel beautiful. Ok? We know you fancy her so just go for it." Louis says.

 "I know. I'm going to make a move. I know if I don't someone else will." I say starting towards the elevator with Niall. 

 I get another look at Alex as the elevator is finally in the lobby, the dress fits her like a glove hugging every curve perfectly. I never knew that under her braids she had all these curls. I wonder what our child's hair would come out looking like. What? Whoa that was a little much but she looked just .....just I have no words to sum up her beauty. I really want to run my fingers through her curls and make them unruly.  Lou didn't cake on the make up but just enhanced, her lips were looking very kissable and her eyes look big and bright. I really want to touch her skin and see if she has anything sexy on underneath.

 "Tori!" Niall screams running to her with a flower in his hand greeting her with a hug.

 "Niall!! So glad to finally meet you!" The two share their intimate moment while I walk over to Alex who is fidgeting with her hands. Still beautiful in her awkwardness.

 I offer my arm to her. "Alexandria, you look beautiful."

 She takes my arm then blushes. "Thanks. You look handsome tonight."

 We walk over to the others as everyone meets and hugs Tori and Alex.

 Liam wraps his around Alex's shoulder. "You cleaned up nicely. I like it."

 She gives him a small smile then blushes. "Thanks. Lou and Tori hooked me up today."

 Louis looks her up and down then pulls a curl out. "What happened to the braids?"

 "We took them out. Don't you love the natural curls she has Harry?" Tori asks me while I watch the Louis and Liam man handle her slightly. They told me they wanted me to go after her but they won't stop touching her.

 Niall has reclaimed Tori by putting his arm around her waist. "Ok! Everyone's here let's eat I'm starving."

 The paparazzi got wind of us being in the hotel so they are ready for us as we are about to leave. Tori clings to Niall as they head out first. Then Louis. Most of the time in these instances Liam grabs for Alex just out of his big brother nature but, tonight I need to show her I like her. Before Liam can get her attention, I grab her hand. She looks at me with wide eyes, to my surprise she doesn't pull away.

 "You know they are going to think that you and me are together now." She whispers in my ear as we are going through the crowd.

 "I know. Is that a bad thing?" She doesn't respond but gives me a smile. I help her into the back of the van. We are joined by Liam on the back row. Once the van started moving I put my arm around her pulling her close to me.

 "So what kind of food does this restaurant serve?" She asks me.

 Liam not realizing that we were trying yo have a moment cuts me off before I could answer.  "Niall picked it for Tori. Some seafood place. Are you ok with that?" 

 "I love seafood!" She replies.

 "Did you have fun shopping today?" I ask not sure of what to say when we are in close quarters in the van.

 "Yes, I actually did. I got a lot of new clothes. I feel pretty." Even though the van is dim I can feel her smiling.

 "That's great. But you aren't pretty love. You are beautiful." At my comment she slides a little closer to me.

 "Thanks Harold."

 "Harold?"

 "Yes. Harold, since you continue to call me Alexandria instead of Alex I'm calling you Harold." she replies with humor laced in her voice.

 "I don't want to call you what everyone else calls you. I want to call you something special. How about Ali or Lexi?"

 The van stops and once again there is a bunch of paparazzi there. I help her out the van holding a good grip on her hand. She whispers into my ear again. "You can all me Lexi."

 "Lexi it is." I grin to myself because she is letting me in and I feel excited. I don't want a typical pet name or to call her what everyone else calls her. I want to feel like she is special.  

[all-the-love-harold]

Chapter 14 - Wedding Bells

Master post 

Come and Talk about Harry and Poppy 

August 30th, 2017 -21 Weeks

“Did you just…” Poppy looked at Harry, shocked by what he had just asked, hands still over his on her bump

“Marry me” he urged her, intertwining his fingers with hers

“Harry are you crazy?”

“Maybe, but Christ Poppy, I want this, I don’t want to spend my life with anyone else, I want this baby to have a proper family, with a Mum and Dad” he leant in a little closer “I know we haven’t been together for very long, and maybe this is a little crazy, but what about my life right now is normal?” He brought his hand to her face “I love you Poppy, I have since the day we became friends, I don’t want to wait any longer to start our life together”

She brought her hand up to his on her face, slamming her lips against his to shut him up, once he had a chance to react, she felt his tongue press against the seam of her lips, parting them, she allowed him in for a moment, pulling away before things got too heated.  

“Yes” Poppy giggled, resting her head on his “Fuck yes Harry, I’ll marry you”

He pressed another kiss to her lips “before the baby comes?” he asked a little tentatively, aware of how little time the both of them had before he left for tour.

Poppy laughed, leaning her head on his shoulder “If you can get it organised and get my family here, before you go on tour, then sure, we can get married before the baby comes”

***

September 8th, 2017 – 23 Weeks

The last week and a half had been absolutely crazy, between the beginning of Live Lounge month at work and trying to get the wedding organised so last minute, Poppy was exhausted. But it meant a lot to Harry that the wedding happened before the baby came, he wasn’t his father, but if they were married, then the baby could take his name, and that was as close as he could get.

Today was the day Poppy had dreamed about ever since she was a little girl, and while she had never imagined that she would be pregnant, everything else was how she had always dreamed it would be. She were in a slight daze, as Lou did her hair and makeup and her sister, Addie and Gemma buzzed around the room, making sure the dress was ready to put on when Lou had finished.

“I’m going to run next door, make sure the groom hasn’t run away” Gemma said, walking towards the door

“Gemma!” Addie, exclaimed, “don’t say that! She’ll cry again”

“I’m not going to cry” Poppy rolled her eyes “go check on him Gems, he’ll be a nervous wreck” she smiled, and Gemma walked out of the room. Harry was getting ready in the room next door, at such short notice, he was unable to find a proper wedding venue, so instead he he’d hired a house in Holmes Chapel where the wedding could be hidden from prying eyes. The house had a big enough garden for the ceremony to take place outside and there was plenty of room in the house for the reception after the wedding.

“You’re all done love” Lou smiled, fluffing Poppy’s hair a little before she offered her a hand to help her stand up

“Thanks Lou” she looked at her hair, admiring her work “it looks great”

“You look great” she said, “I’ll go swap with Gemma, keep Harry’s nerves at bay while you finish getting ready” she twisted the handle on the door and turned her head back towards Poppy before she walked out “No more tears, don’t ruin your makeup” She closed the door and left Poppy and Addie in the room.

“You look beautiful Pop” she said, bringing the dress over to her “If I can look half as beautiful as you do right now on my wedding day, I’ll be happy”

“Just don’t be pregnant for it” Poppy laughed

“Hey, if this little bump never happened, you and Harry would still be pretending not to be in love”

She smiled “That is probably very true”

“What’s true?” Gemma asked as she walked back in the room

“The bump made Harry and I fall in love” Poppy said to her

“Took your bloody time” she laughed “right” she clapped her hands “let’s get you dressed”

***

“One, Two, Three, Four” Ed counted as Poppy’s dad grabbed her hand at the beginning of the aisle, placing a kiss on her hand and smiling at his eldest daughter, who he was about to give away to the love of her life, her best friend, her knight in shining armor, her Harry. The gentle strumming of the guitar began, and Addie started her walk down the aisle, closely followed by Gemma. They were both dressed in dusty pink dresses, with flowers woven into their hair and they looked stunning as they made their way to the arch where Harry was standing.

Ed had lengthened the introduction to the song so that he would start singing as Poppy walked down the aisle.

“Settle down with me

Cover me up

Cuddle me in”

Poppy’s dad looked at her and she took a deep breath, taking her first step towards the rest of her life. She concentrated on her feet, focusing on each step, trying to avoid making eye contact with any of the guests, knowing that as soon as she did, she would start crying.

“Settle down with me

And I'll be your safety

You'll be my lady”

Halfway down the aisle, she looked up to see Harry, standing there, smile on his face as their eyes met. He was in awe of how beautiful she looked and as she looked up at him, all the butterflies that had been in his stomach all day, vanished, and he was overcome with love for Poppy. He couldn’t quite believe that this was actually happening, it was a day he’d always dreamed about, but never in his wildest dreams, did he imagine that it would be Poppy Thomas, meeting him at the end of aisle.

“This feels like falling in love

Falling in love

We're falling in love”

As Ed played the final notes of the song, Poppy’s Dad placed a gentle kiss to her hand, and passed her into Harry’s grip.

“You look beautiful” he whispered into her ear as they both turned towards the minister

Poppy  smiled at him mouthing a ‘thank you’ as the minister began to speak “Friends and Family of Poppy and Harry, welcome and thank you for being here on such a momentous day for the young couple. We are gathered together to celebrate the very special love that Poppy and Harry share by joining them in Marriage. Poppy and Harry,” She smiled at the both of them, glancing down at her bump, “your marriage today is the public and legal joining of your souls that have already been united as one in your hearts. Marriage will allow you a new environment to share your lives together, standing together to face the world and all that it can throw at you.” Poppy looked up at Harry, who was already looking at her, and smiled knowing that together, they could take on the world. “With that said, I would now like to invite Anne Twist, Mother of the Groom, to read a poem”

Anne made her way to the podium, taking out a folded piece of paper and placing it flat against the wood, speaking into the microphone as tears fell gently from her eyes “Harry and Poppy, the relationship that you have grown together stands for love that will blossom and grow with each passing day. Swami Omkarananada, put into words what I couldn’t, so I’d like to read a poem of his to you now; Love has wisdom that can solve every problem. It possesses the great patience which waits until, drop by drop, an ocean is formed. Love is royal in dignity, brave in spirit, unbreakable in substance, and divine in nature. It does not complain, does not judge. It transforms everything that it touches. It rules everything to which it presents its own Light. It understands and yields only to conquer fully. Love has numberless resources and inexhaustible energies.”  She stepped away from the podium, tears rushing down here cheeks as she made her way back to her seat just behind Harry.

“It’s now time for the vows” the minister said, looking back at Poppy and Harry “could the couple, please turn and face one another”  they both turned to look into each other’s eyes, joining both their hands “Mr Styles, do you have your vows ready”

He cleared his throat, letting go of Poppy’s left hand and searching the inside of his suit jacket for the piece of paper that he’d written his vows on “Yes” he said, voice shaking as he unfolded the paper “Poppy” he looked at her and took a breath, “ I have loved you since we were 18, long before we both thought the same thing” he laughed and cleared his throat as she heard Niall Liam and Louis snickering in the crowd “Sorry,” he shook his head as she rolled her eyes at him “I’m not going to do that, we were 19” the crowd laughed, catching on to the reference a little late “I’ll start again.” He cleared his throat “Poppy, You have been my best friend since the day we met, and for the last four years, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my life with you, you’re the most wonderful woman I know, I love you, not only for what you have made yourself, but for who you have made me,  I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for me, my sweetest creature, wherever I go, you will always bring you home.” The tears were falling freely from Poppy’s eyes now “Poppy, my love, I promise, from this day forward, to be your companion and your friend, I promise to love you, even when I don’t, I promise to lift you up when you’re feeling down and to laugh with you in your happiest moments, our life together will bring many ups and downs, but I promise to always be there for you, no matter where I am in the world. I promise, that for the rest of our lives, I will love you with my whole heart, I will brighten your darkest days, and above all else, I promise to be your best friend, from now, until forever.” Tears began to fall from his eyes now too and Poppy reached up to wipe them away with her thumb and he chuckled at her “Poppy Marie Thomas, I love you more than anything in the world and I couldn’t be happier to be spending the rest of my life by your side”

Poppy felt the urge to kiss him over take her, as the tears streamed down both of their faces

“Damn it Styles” she giggled through her tears “you stole my thunder” the crowd laughed and so did Harry, shrugging his shoulders with a smug look on his face. “Harry,” she smiled at him, “If you told me when we first met that we’d be getting married in four years’ time, I would have laughed in your face, but I’m the luckiest girl in the world, to be standing here next to you, about to start our life together. To the world, you’re a rock star, but to me, you’re the weirdo that used to show up at my door at 2am with two tubs of ice cream, because he was lonely” she giggled and wiped some tears from her eyes “it may have taken me four years to fall in love with you, but I have never been so sure of anything in my life, I love you more than anything in the world and I promise that, for the rest of our lives, I will love you, I will love you when you’re touring the world and I haven’t seen you for weeks, I will love you when you’re tired and jetlagged, I will love you at your best and at your worst.” she paused for a moment, taking a breath and letting Harry wipe the tears from her eyes “Today,” you sighed “I am marrying my best friend, I love you Harry Edward Styles, you’re my rock, my sunshine, my home, thank you for loving me too.” Harry leant in and placed a light kiss to her lips, smiling widely at her

“Not yet” the minister laughed, “let’s get to the rings”

Grimmy walked over to them, holding the box with the rings, grinning at them both as he handed Poppy’s ring to Harry.

“Repeat after me; I, Harry Styles”

“I Harry Styles”

"give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today”

"give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today” he placed the ring on her finger, smirking at her.

“Poppy,” the minister said as Grimmy handed her Harry’s ring “Repeat after me; I Poppy Thomas”

“I, Poppy Thomas”

"give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today”

"give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today” She  placed the ring on his finger

“Now” the minister sighed “You may kiss the Bride”

Harry leant down and placed a tender kiss to Poppy’s lips as their families and friends stood and cheered and he pulled away and grabbed her hand. They both walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, starting their new life together, as Mr and Mrs Styles.

***

Poppy’s Mum and Anne had the inside of the house set up beautifully. There were white sheets draped from the roof, covering the downlights making the room feel cosy. The tables were decorated with the most beautiful bunches of flowers Poppy had ever seen, and the chairs were covered with white cloth, tied together with a dusty pink ribbon that matched the bridesmaid’s dresses and Harry’s bow tie. The lower level of the house was spacious and open enough to comfortably fit all the guests. On such short notice most, people they had invited had been unable to make it and because Poppy’s family had to come from Australia, she’d only invited her immediate family and God Parents. But everyone that mattered had made the time for them both, and neither of them minded, having always dreamed of a small wedding.

“Alright” Ed said, making his way to the microphone “it’s time for the couple to have their first dance.” Harry had asked Ed to sing because he knew that he was one of Poppy favourites and it meant a lot that one of his friends was there to sing on such a special day.

Harry took her hand and helped her stand, leading her over to the dancefloor as Ed put his guitar over his shoulder and started playing. Poppy draped her hands over his shoulders while his rested on her waist. As they began to sway to the tune of the song, looking into Harry’s smiling eyes, the rest of the room disappeared, it didn’t matter that all the eyes in the room were on them, right in that moment, everything that mattered was right there in front of her, hands on her waist, thinking exactly what she was.

“You're the best friend

That I ever had

I've been with you such a long time

You're my sunshine

And I want you to know

That my feelings are true

I really love you

You're my best friend

You're the first one

When things turn out bad

You know I'll never be lonely

You're my only one

And I love the things

I really love the things that you do

You're my best friend”

Harry moved his right hand from Poppy’s waist to her bump as she leant her head on his chest.  The music echoed through her ears as she listened to his heartbeat, feeling the baby move with his touch. This was finally the little family that she’d always dreamed about.

The song ended, and they took their seats again as Ed, who had agreed to MC the night, invited Grimmy and to make his best man speech.

“Right” he said taking the mic from Ed and putting his hand on Harry’s shoulder “I’m going to keep this short and start by thanking everyone on behalf of the couple, for being here tonight, especially on such short notice.” Harry joined his hands together, as if he was praying and blew kisses to their guests, like he did when he was on stage and Poppy smiled at up at him “I’ll be speaking on behalf of the maid of honour tonight because she agreed that I know Poppy well enough and she was too shy to make a speech” Addie looked at Grimmy and thanked him while Poppy smiled at her, reassuring her that she didn’t mind.

“Over the years, these two” Grimmy pointed at them both “have become my best friends, I’ve known them separately and I’ve known them together, and let me tell you” he sighed “they are much better together.” Harry rested his hand on Poppy’s knee as Grimmy spoke “As you would all know, Harry and Poppy met in Heathrow airport, in the most cinematic way possible,  Poppy was sitting at a coffee table, Harry came and sat next to her, she told him she had nowhere to live for a few weeks, he let her stay at his house while he toured the country, they fell in love right there and then, but it took them four years to admit it to each other. In those four years, they formed a bond that most of us can only dream of, they really are two of the most loyal people you will ever meet and I know that both of them would do absolutely anything for each other. So, in the name of keeping this short, I’d like tell you both how much you mean to me, and everyone else in this room, and offer you a massive congratulations on your wedding” Grimmy started to clap and their guests all joined in as Poppy and Harry smiled at them all “your future together will bring you many reasons to smile, and I’m sure I speak for everyone in this room when I say that we’re beyond excited to meet the little guy in a few months.” He picked up his glass of champagne “To Mr and Mrs Styles” the guests all raised their glasses in a toast to Poppy and Harry and Poppy took a sip of water from her champagne glass, while everyone else had wine.

***

The celebrations ended around midnight and Poppy and Harry watched as all their guests left the house, except for those who were staying there, which was mostly Poppy’s family. Eventually, once the place had cleared, Poppy made her way upstairs, closely followed by Harry, who was a little tipsy but not too drunk because he promised he would only have a few drinks, knowing that she couldn’t have any.

“Hey, Mrs Styles” Harry giggled as he closed the door to the room that Popp got ready in.

A smile spread across her face at the sound of Harry calling her ‘Mrs Styles.’ “Hi Husband Harry” she giggled

“Husband Harry” he laughed, grabbing her by the waist “I like that- has a nice ring to it”

She giggled, turning around in his arms, reaching her arms up to cup his face and placing a gentle kiss on his lip “Thank you for Marrying me”

“It’s an honour” he said, kissing her again.

After a few more stolen kisses, Poppy turned and allowed Harry to help her out of her dress and into her pyjamas. They were both exhausted from the crazy week they’d had had trying to organise this wedding, and as they both finally made it to the bed, they were too tired to even think about getting up to mischief on their wedding night.

Poppy grabbed her phone off the bedside table, desperate to see some wedding photos that would have already gone online and found that she had six missed calls from an unknown number. Confused, she entered her Passcode and saw that she also had a text from the same number.

“That’s my baby Poppy, stop pretending it belongs that greasy haired idiot. I’ll be taking you to court for custody. Danny”

[takemetoanotherworld]

I don’t want to be alone. pt5.

The boys were currently halfway through their 3rd movie, Avengers End Game, and it was nearing 1 am. Sometime during that movie, Harry had nodded off. The boys realized his commentary was fading, and theirs was taking over. Louis looked down, finally, realizing that the boy was fast asleep on his shoulder.

“Oh, Hazza...” Louis coos, kissing the boy’s hair.

“Lou, got anything to tell us?” Liam laughs, turning toward Louis quickly.

Niall coughs sarcastically, watching Louis’ eyes light up. Louis laughs silently, not wanting to wake Harry up. 

“Give me a moment, would you help me make him a bit more comfortable?” Louis pouts, noticing how Harry’s posture must be uncomfortable.

Liam stands up, pausing the movie. Louis keeps Harry’s head on his shoulder, wrapping his arms around his waist. Liam pulls Harry’s legs to the side, so Louis is, essentially, cradling the curly boy. Louis settles Harry’s other hand in the latters lap, his left hand holding on to the front of Louis’ jumper. Harry sighs in content, snuggling closer to Louis. 

“I’m really falling for him...” Louis whispers, looking at Liam.

“We know. You’re terrible at keeping things secret.” Niall laughs, being shushed by a protective Lou.

“Getting jealous of me? C’mon, Lou. Can’t be more obvious.” Liam adds, shaking his head adoringly at the sight of Louis and Harry. 

“I’m sorry, alright? I just, god... look at him! He’s everything I want.” Lou coos, nudging his nose into Harry’s curls. 

“Are you going to tell him?” Liam asks, puppy eyes in full effect.

“I-I don’t know yet. I like this,” He says quietly, motioning to Harry. “I like being able to hold him. I liked seeing him at the game.”

“Lou, can I say something?” Niall asks, proceeding when Louis nodded. “Harry really likes you. Don’t tell him I told you, but I just want you guys to be happy.” 

Louis smiles widely, holding Harry a bit closer. 

“Then maybe I’ll just continue with this. More affection? Hanging out more outside of school and stuff.” Louis mumbles.

They all continue to talk, eventually un-pausing the movie and continuing to watch.

The credits started rolling, the time now 2:30 am, when Harry started to stir. Louis kisses his forehead as he starts to open his eyes.

“Hey, Hazza. Good nap?” Louis whispers, peppering kisses to the younger boy’s head. 

Harry nods sleepily, wiping at his eyes. Louis feels his heart pick up, all he wants to do is hold this boy forever.

“Hi you guys, sorry that I fell asleep.” Harry giggles, sitting up.

He looks down and notices he is settled in Louis’ lap. Harry immediately blushes, looking around and getting off of Louis. Louis furrows his eyebrows, cocking his head to the side.

“That’s okay. Do you guys want to sleep now?” Niall asks, glancing at the boys.

“I’m still buzzing from the game.” Louis admits, missing the heat of Harry.

“Me too, honestly.” Liam laughs. “Ni?”

“I’m awake, I usually don’t sleep much anyway. Haz?” Niall asks, getting comfy on the couch.

“I just napped so I feel okay...” Harry says, still not fully awake.

“Okay, I think we need energy drinks now!” Niall yells, standing up and scurrying to the kitchen.

He comes back, holding 4 monster energy. The boys all take sips, while Niall starts up the Xbox. Liam grabs the 2nd controller, and Louis and Harry just sit back.

“Haz?” Louis chips, reaching out to Harry.

“I don’t know, Lou. Didn’t I make your arms fall asleep?” Harry pouts, feeling a tad bit insecure for whatever reason.

“Nope, c’mere love.” Lou says, arms waiting for Harry.

Harry scoots over, letting Louis put his arm around his shoulders.

“Why you acting so shy all of the sudden, babe?” Louis coos, looking down at Harry.

Harry blushes, shaking his head.

“I know what you’re thinking. I feel the same, too. We don’t have to do anything yet, my love.” Louis whispers to Harry, kissing Harry’s cheek.  

Harry tears up, his lip wobbling.

“Oh, Haz. No tears, what’s got you cryin’?” Louis asks, laying his hand on Harry’s face. 

Louis catches a few tears on the pad of his thumb, pulling Harry in closer. Harry sniffles, straddling Louis’ lap. Louis wraps his arms around Harry’s waist, while Harry latches to Louis’ shoulders. 

“We’ll be back in a minute, lads. Just need to have a chat.” Louis announces, the 2 boys playing Fifa only grunting in response, not paying any attention to the others.

Louis carries Harry into the guest room, sitting down on the bed in the corner of the room. Louis shushes the sniffling boy, murmuring to him softly. Louis presses kisses to Harry’s neck, rubbing his lower back.

“Please don’t leave, Lou.” Harry finally speaks up, burrowing into Louis’ neck. 

“Hazza, why would I? You’re all I want.” Louis admits, kissing Harry’s cheek again.

“Because I’m me, everyone leaves me. I don’t want to be alone again.” Harry whimpers.

“Look at me, Haz.” Louis whispers, holding onto Harry’s chin. “I’m not going anywhere. Liam and Niall won’t, either. I promise things are different now.”

Harry nods, biting his bottom lip to stop it’s quivering.

“Do you believe me?” Louis asks, staring at him.

“Yes.” Harry mumbles, burrowing into Louis again. 

Louis wraps his arms around Harry, pressing his lips to Harry’s head.

“I’ve got you.” Louis whispers, standing up with Harry in his arms.

They walk back out to the living room, Liam looking up briefly and laughing slightly, gaining Niall’s attention. Niall cheers quietly, going back to Fifa.

“Can I hug you guys?” Harry mumbles, standing over Liam.

Liam nods, getting up and hugging Harry. Niall follows, ruffling his curls.

“Alright, give me my curly back.” Louis jokes, grabbing at Harry’s waist.

Harry lays his head in Louis’ lap, grabbing at Louis’ left arm. He trails his hand down, intertwining their fingers.

“Cutie.” Louis coos, running his fingers through Harry’s hair. 

Harry giggles, playing with Louis’ fingers. The boys play Fifa for a few hours.

“Guys... I’m tired...” Harry whines, looking at his phone.

5:35 am.

“Go to sleep, then.” Liam laughs, looking at the ceiling.

“Can I borrow you?” Harry giggles, slumping against Louis’ side.

“Of course, Haz.” Louis says, nuzzling Harry’s neck.

Harry sits in Louis’ lap, straddling his hips. Louis wraps his arms around Harry’s waist, pulling Harry’s legs to bring Harry closer to him. Harry’s legs meet behind Louis back, and Louis playfully taps Harry’s bum. Harry giggles, looking at Louis.

“You’re beautiful.” Louis says, kissing Harry’s nose.

Harry mumbles a thank you, moving impossibly closer to Louis. Harry yawns, laying his head on Louis’ shoulder.

“Goodnight, Hazza.” Louis hums, rubbing the younger’s back soothingly. 

------ 4 weeks skipped, Louis and Harry remain unofficial. At their sleepovers, they are practically one body since they tangle themselves together at any opportunity. At school, nothing really changed, except they hug at any opportunity to do so. At the footie matches, Harry, Niall, and Liam always show up to support. The winter is getting colder, and 2nd term is coming to a close. Going back into the story, it’s the last game of the season, Friday.------

“Hazza, get your ass over here!” Liam yells, watching as Harry makes his way to their lunch table.

“Hey, love.” Louis smiles, pushing his phone into his pocket.

Harry takes a seat next to Liam, directly across from Lou. The boys all eat their lunch, chatting casually about anything. Niall gets up, saying he has to go see a teacher for help. The boys wave as he leaves, resuming their conversation.

“All Varsity Footie Athletes to Coach Carr’s room immediately, thank you.”

Louis groans, standing up quickly.

“See you in 6th hour, bye you two.” Louis says, walking over to kiss Harry’s forehead before leaving.

“Li, you got the hoodie?” Harry giggles, smiling widely as Liam pulls open his backpack.

“Coach Carr was so chill, he was all like, ‘oh, pranking Louis? I’m in.’ And said he’d make a cover story.” Liam laughs, closing his backpack. “Lou will be back in a minute, seeing as he’s not going to be receiving his hoodie yet.”

Sure enough, Louis walks back to their table, looking confused.

“Carr said mine didn’t come in, yet the rest of the teams did? I call bullshit.” He huffs, gears turning in his head.

“Awh, sorry Lou. Didn’t he say you were getting a different one because you’re captain?” Harry asked, smiling innocently.

“Yeah, must be shipping or something.” Louis mumbles.

---footie match time---

Louis looks around wildly, searching for Harry and Liam. 

You see, the last game means that the team gets to pick up to 3 people to come to the field and watch from the sidelines, and obviously Louis picked his best friends. The game was set to start in 5 minutes, and only Niall was sitting on the bench.

“Ni, any updates?” Louis asks nervously, shaking his legs out a little bit.

Niall just shakes his head, smiling sadly at Louis. Lou just nods, looking to the field. 

“Okay, Haz. You ready?” Liam says, wiggling his eyebrows.

Harry nods, adjusting Louis’ hoodie and looking at his shoes. Coach Carr let the boys take Louis’ hoodie, so that Harry could sport “Tomlinson 17″ on Louis’ final game, and his vans were tie-dyed custom, to match Lou’s blue jersey.

Harry walks out on to the field, giggling madly when Louis spots him. Louis’ mouth hangs open, his eyebrows furrowing at the sight of Harry in his hoodie. Harry does a spin, showing the older boy the hoodie fully, and then he ran up to him. 

“Gotta support my favorite footie player...” Harry giggles, hugging Louis tightly. “Like my shoes?”

Louis looks down, seeing the blue vans with 17 printed on them in black. He turns the younger around, staring at his last name on Harry’s back.

“You’re too much, Har-”

The whistle blows, and Harry sprints to the bench where Liam and Niall are practically bursting from the cute scene.

“He’s absolutely fucking flustered!” Niall joked.

“It’s about time you see it, Haz.” Liam said, nudging Har’s shoulder with his.

Harry laughs, feeling excited that he’s seeing a little more into Louis.

The game started, and Louis’ team made their usual round about the field, Louis practically falling over at the sight of Harry again.

---

“GO LOU GO! RIGHT HERE COME ON, RIGHT NOW!” Harry yells, standing with the other boys.

“YES!!!! YES LOU!” Niall screams, the final point being played by Louis. 

“That’s it! COL’s 4th season UNDEFEATED!” The announcer says, leading to the entire stadium to cheer loudly. 

The boys stand up and sprint at Louis, cheering loudly. Louis smiles widely, holding the trophy up. His team picks him up, screaming. Harry stares up at him, biting his bottom lip while smiling. 

“That was fucking amazing, Louis!” Niall grins, slapping Lou on the shoulder.

“Thanks, mate. I have the best cheerleaders.” Lou jokes, eyes lingering on Harry’s face for a moment.

“So... are you up for a sleepover?” Liam asked, sticking his tongue out slightly.

Harry pouts at Louis, doing his best puppy dog eyes. Louis laughs, something flashing in his eyes.

“Yeah, of course. I need to stop and grab some stuff, though.” Louis says.

At this point, Harry reaches out for a hug, but Louis walks out of reach. Harry pouts.

“Nope, we asked your mum to drop it off at mine before she came to watch the match.” Niall interrupts, smiling again.

The boys all go to say hi to Louis’ mum, chatting for a few minutes and then taking pictures of the Tomlinson’s. Louis’ mum kisses all over is face, leaving Louis embarrassed. Harry keeps trying to talk to Louis, but Louis seems to avoid Harry’s words.

“Let’s go, boys. Niall, you’re with me?” Louis asks, pulling his car keys out of his bag.

“I’ll go with Liam...” Harry says, looking to see if Louis reacts at all.

He doesn’t, leaving Harry confused. He’s probably just thinking too much about it.

“You two can go on in, me and Haz are gonna grab food. Lou you can shower in my bathroom, nasty boy.” Liam teases, getting into his car.

Harry follows, huffing slightly. Liam looks over, turning his car on.

“What’s the matter, Haz?” Liam asks, pulling out of the parking lot.

“He seemed like, excited when I got there, right? And then I tried to hug him and he walked away. And he’s ignoring me?” Harry says, frustration in his voice.

Harry groans, pulling Louis’ hoodie off. He crosses his arms across his chest, throwing his head back.

“Okay, so I noticed that too. But he’s probably exhausted, right? He just played the best he has this entire season, I mean, he’s probably close to falling asleep standing up.” Liam explains, slowing down as he turns the corner. 

Harry just groans, pulling his phone out. He and Liam sing loudly along to the radio, pulling in to order food.

---

“We’re here fuckers!” Harry yells, setting the food on the floor in the living room.

Niall runs into the room, diving at the food. Harry laughs, eating his fries. He sets Louis’ hoodie on the back of the couch. Liam frowns slightly, seeing past Harry’s facade.

Harry was upset, he wanted to do something special for Louis, and Louis seemed excited up until after the game when he had to see Harry again. For whatever reason.

“Haz, it’ll be fine. Just try to keep things normal, he’ll probably feel better after his shower, yeah?” Liam whispers. 

They all eat, watching whatever programme was on the tv. Louis walks out around 15 minutes later, only wearing his adidas trackies. 

“Hey Louis, food?” Niall gestures to the food waiting for the athlete. Niall looks up at Harry, noticing how his face had dropped when Louis walked in. “Hazza, c’mere.” 

Harry crawls over to Niall, throwing his arms around the blonde. Niall rubs his back, feeling bad. Harry starts to feel a bit better, not sure why Louis ignoring him a couple of times was bothering him so much.

Niall tussles Harry’s curls, smiling at the younger lad when they pulled away. Harry smiled in return.

“What’s wrong, Harry?” Louis mumbles, not looking up from his food.

“Cold...” Harry lies, though it’s not really a lie if he is cold, is it?

“Where’s my hoodie?” Louis asks, glancing around the room.

“Don’t wanna wear it.” Harry says, cuddling into Niall’s side.

Louis makes a face at that, looking at Harry for the first time since he got to Liam’s. Liam just shakes his head when Louis tries to say something, leading to Louis slumping back against the couch.

“Can we start a movie?” Harry whispers, rubbing his eyes.

“Yeah, anyone want drinks? Ni, start the movie?” Liam asks. 

Liam leaves to grab drinks, and the other boys start to get cozy on the couch. Harry settles into the curve of the couch, where Louis would usually lay with him. Louis tries to sit near Harry, but the latter scoots closer to Niall. 

Louis grunts, pulling out his phone. He texts Liam.

What did I do?

Bro, you ignored him after the game. He was all excited to show up wearing your hoodie and the custom shoes and shit, he thought you’d be all cute after the game with him, I guess.

I dont know whats up today with me, Li. But right now he won’t even sit near me

It’s not his fault. he just wanted you to show something more, I guess?

What do you mean liam!!!

I cant just tell you, its not my business.

LIAM.

You already know what im talking about. you just need to show him you’re not just being friendly, catch my drift?

liam? are you serious?

read 8:52pm

“Hazza, come over here...” Louis trails off, opening his arms up.

“Can I stay over here with Niall?” Harry whimpers, curling his fist in Niall’s shirt.

Louis forces a smile, pulling his phone out again.

So Harry thinks I’m strictly friends with him, that I don’t have feelings for him?

I mean, you were kissing on him and cuddling him and calling him babe and baby and shit, and then after that first sleepover you treated him like you treat me and niall. just cuddles. he thinks youre friendzoning him.

Shit. He won’t get off of Niall...

Idk man. I’m coming up there.

“Harry! Your tea...” Liam laughs, handing Harry a mug. 

Harry sips at it, sitting up a little.

“Haz, can you scoot? Niall’s my cuddling buddy today, you got him at the game when you were cold!” Liam laughs, glancing at Louis.

Louis grins, feeling a pang of jealousy when Harry whines into Niall’s shirt, grabbing onto the fabric tighter and burying his face in Niall’s chest. 

“Not now, Li.”

Louis gets up, prying Harry’s hands from Niall’s tshirt. Harry yelps, wiggling frantically. 

“Haz, what’s all this? Come here.” Louis grumbles, sitting Harry next to him on the couch.

“No, I’m going to the loo.” Harry snaps, getting up as soon as he sat next to Louis.

Harry storms off, slamming the door closed. He slams his fists into the counter, angry at Louis.

Louis looks up shocked, completely confused by Harry.

“Like I said, mate. Stop treating him like a friend when he’s actively trying to get you to show him something.” Liam said, looking like this was completely obvious.

“I mean, honestly Louis, for that one day when you 2 got super close and we had that talk about him thinking we were going to leave, he was so happy and you treated him like you wanted him. And you do want him, right? So why are you pushing all that progress and the cheesy kisses on the cheek and petnames out like they were never there?” Niall adds, standing up. “Go get him. Tell him how you feel, this bullshit is making me mad. Acting like you see him as a friend and getting jealous when he cuddles with me because he needs comfort...”

Louis stands up, walking to the bathroom.

“Haz? Open up, we need to talk.” Louis mumbles, waiting to hear the lock click.

It does, 2 minutes later. Harry stands in the doorway, avoiding Louis’ eyes. Louis walks in, closing the door behind him. He picks up Harry, setting him on the edge of the counter and standing between his legs, placing his hands on Harry’s hips.

“Listen, I’m sorry that I ignored you after the game. I have a reason. I know that you think I only like you as a friend, but you’re totally wrong. I know I stopped being all over you after that one night, it’s just that I didn’t want to push it. All I want is you, I just want to make sure you’re ready, and don’t feel pressured at all. You’re the first thing on my mind every morning, I swear. But I know you were hurt in the past, and I don’t want to be the cause of any tears, my Hazza.” Louis whispers, thumbing over Harry’s cheekbones. “I want you, and everything you come with. I’m sorry for acting like a prick.” 

“Are you scared, too?” Harry asks, still looking down.

“I didn’t think you liked me that way, I couldn’t tell. Well, I think my hesitancy, after realizing how scared you were that I’d leave... I think it made me stay away from you in the way that I want to be with you.” Louis explains. 

Harry nods, sucking his bottom lip in.

“Can we leave our chat at this, for right now? Can we go cuddle?” Louis asks, pulling Harry in by his waist.

“Can I ask you something first?” Harry asks, earning a nod from Louis. “You do feel more than friends feelings, right?”

Louis’ eyes soften some more, and he leans in to kiss the corners of Harry’s mouth, desperately wanting to press their lips together but deciding it was best to wait. 

“Good answer?” Louis giggles, kissing Harry’s reddened cheeks. “You’re too cute, baby.”

The 2 walk out to the living room, sitting on the couch beside each other. Louis opens his arms, waiting for Harry to fall into them. Harry looks down shyly, fiddling with his fingers.

“Hey, no shyness Hazza...” Louis mumbles, grabbing Harry’s hands.

He brings them up to his lips, pressing kisses to his knuckles. Harry coughs a little, frowning. 

“Can I go get changed, Lou?” Harry pouts, earning a nod from Louis. 

“As long as you put my hoodie back on.”

Harry blushes, grabbing the hoodie on his way back to the bathroom. Harry changes, looking into the mirror. He’s been feeling a little under the weather since just before the game, ignoring it until now. He shuffles out to the living room, pulling the sleeves over his hands.

“Lou...” Harry whines, coughing a little more, sniffling slightly.

“Baby, come here.” Louis says, pulling on the younger’s hand. 

Harry settles into Louis’ naked chest, breathing unsteadily.

“Not feeling well? What’s wrong, sweets?” Louis fusses, pulling Harry onto his lap. 

Harry keeps his head pressed into Louis’ body, groaning quietly.

“Head hurts again, my nose is stuffy and throat hurts... I just don’t feel well.” Harry sniffles, holding onto Louis tightly.

“Liam, do you have honey?” Louis asks, rubbing Harry’s back.

Liam nods, running down the stairs. He comes back with a spoon and honey, handing it to Harry.

“It’s like a lolly, huh? C’mon, babe, it’ll help.” Louis encourages, Harry licking at the substance.

After Harry is done, he sets the spoon inside his empty mug, turning so he is facing Louis. He wraps his legs around Louis’ waist, feeling weak.

“Oh, I’m sorry Haz. Go to sleep, my love...” Louis whispers, kissing Harry’s forehead.

“Feel dizzy, I don’t wanna lay down.” Harry mumbles, pushing himself closer to the older boy.

“Here,” Louis guides Harry’s head to his shoulder, tightening his grip on the younger’s waist. “Go to sleep, baby. I’m sorry about today. You’re mine now, though. I’m not letting you go.”

“I don’t want you to let me go... Don’t leave me all alone.” Harry whispers, holding on to Louis tighter.

“I won’t, you’re not alone anymore. Not with me around.”

A/N

not how I wanted to end it, but I didn’t know how to tie it all up... hopefully it’s decent.

[prettyinsoulpunk]

There’s A Light In The Dark

Narry (4K, Explicit)

Then I look in my heart There's a light in the dark Still a flicker of hope that you first gave to me That I wanna keep

Or, the one where Harry gets a surprise visitor after his performance in Glasgow.

(Yes, this is a totally self-indulgent kilt fic with a side of feels that I should have finished literally last year. But hey, at least we can celebrate the anniversary right? It’s also up on AO3 now, same username.)

*side note: my apologies if this looks weird on mobile. I post from my laptop and I’ve noticed from my iPhone app it looks like one giant wall of text with no paragraph breaks. I blame tumblr, I promise I didn’t post it that way. But if its too hard to read, check my AO3 post instead. :)

~*~

The roar of the crowd echoes in Harry's ears as he heads back to his dressing room. It's a welcome sound because there are few things he loves more than performing; there's just something about it that nothing else compares to. He loves seeing all of his fans especially, both the new ones and the familiar faces that he's come to recognize over the years.

He loves hearing his own voice harmonizing with an entire arena full of people singing his lyrics back to him, and most of all, he loves being the center of attention. He's a self-proclaimed narcissist so having the undivided attention of thousands of people almost every night is a feeling that Harry sorely misses when he's not on stage.

Tonight he's in Glasgow, and the show was phenomenal.

One of Harry's favorites, if he's honest. He's still buzzing from it as he tries to wind down, but it's hard. He's always bursting with endless energy afterward and the adrenaline rush is the very best drug there is.

He grabs a water bottle from the fridge and immediately sinks down onto one of the plush couches. He should change his clothes but he's not ready to give the kilt up just yet. He had it custom made just for this particular show and he adores it. He knows he won't have many chances to wear it again, so he's going to keep it on for as long as he can. Even if he's the only one around to appreciate it because his bandmates have already taken off. He really should be heading back to the hotel too though, because they've got an early flight to Dublin in the morning.

Dublin.

Where Niall will be because he's recording a special performance with the RTE Orchestra.

Not that Harry is keeping tabs or anything. (He's totally keeping tabs.) He desperately wants to believe this isn't just a random coincidence but he's honestly not sure. What are the odds, though? It's not L.A. or London, so of all the cities in the world, they'll both be in Dublin at the exact same time?

Not that it would be unusual for Niall to be in Dublin at any given moment considering it's practically home to him. He did at least mention the performance to Harry the other day and casually suggested they try and get together if they could. No solid plans were made but Harry still feels almost giddy at the thought of seeing each other.

It's been a while, but that's just because they've been incredibly busy. They both did a small collection of solo shows back in the fall and then they've spent the earlier part of this year prepping for their world tours. So it's not that they've been ignoring each other, they just haven't had any spare time for visiting.

Harry is still kicking himself for not going to the BRITs, but he had been shooting his new Gucci add all week and he honestly had no idea that Niall would be attending. He heard all about it from Liam the next morning and then absolutely did not spend two hours browsing various social media feeds to save all the pictures of Niall from the show.

(It was closer to three hours, and in his defense, Niall looked devastatingly handsome as usual.)

So it's not that Harry and Niall haven't wanted to see each other lately, they just haven't had the opportunity. If this had been a year ago, Harry wouldn't be feeling as excited at the prospect. Thankfully it's a non-issue now. Their breakup hadn't exactly been amicable, but Harry is grateful that they managed to patch things up between them.

Harry had broken Niall's heart, even though it certainly wasn't intentional. Niall knows that too - or so he's told Harry - and they had a really good time together when Niall went to his very first solo show in L.A. They talked, they laughed and they fucked, even though the latter was definitely against their better judgment. They chalked it up to familiarity though, and the fact that they'll always mean something special to one another.

The aftermath wasn't as awkward as it could have been and they even shared a kiss goodbye. But this time, it was with the knowledge that they were going to be okay.

Harry wasn't going to feel guilty that he might not see Niall again for a while, and Niall wouldn't be continuing to sit by a silent phone. They also discussed their expectations of one another and what each of them could bring to the table in terms of repairing the friendship.

So far they've both kept their promises which were mostly to connect with each other more often and to not let the past ruin what is undoubtedly the most important friendship they've ever had. They just haven't actually seen each other physically in a few months, so Harry is a bit nervous if he's honest. He did speak to Niall for nearly an hour last week just before he went on stage in London, which was nice. Niall told him all about the Masters tournament, and Harry filled Niall in on some of his favorite moments from his tour so far.

It's felt too much like old times lately, and Harry is trying hard not to get his hopes up.

Despite that, he can't deny the fact that he still has deep feelings for Niall. How could he not? Niall Horan is the love of his life, but they were just on separate paths two years ago.

Now things are different. Better. Wonderful, Harry might even dare say.

Niall seems to be quite happy these days, although he isn't shy about telling the world how blissfully single he is.

Single and not ready to mingle, apparently.

That puts a definite wrench in Harry's plan to try and win him back, but maybe it's better this way. For now, at least. He's not even sure if they can go back to being a couple again, but he's thrilled to have their dynamic back. Or getting there, anyway. Now he can text Niall random song lyrics at odd hours or send a cute picture of himself holding a chicken for his Gucci ad. It's fun, and Harry feels light and happy that things are so much better between them.

They're not perfect by a long shot, but they're making it work.

Which brings us back to the present, where Harry is lying on his dressing room couch, just mindlessly scrolling through his Instagram feed when a text pops up on his phone screen.

amazing show tonight H . you totally smashed it

Of course it's Niall, and Harry can't stop smiling as he replies.

Thank you! xx Did you find a good livestream?

Harry knows that Niall likes to peek in on the occasional livestream but he doesn't think Niall has seen any recently.

not exactly

Then what, exactly? Harry asks, puzzled.

A quiet knock at the door interrupts Harry's thoughts, so he sets his phone down and gets up to answer it.

Of all the people that Harry might have expected to see on the other side of that door, Niall sure wasn't it. And especially not carrying a gorgeous bouquet of pink roses which are Harry's favorite.

"I caught the live show," Niall explains and holds the flowers out for Harry to take.

Harry accepts them gratefully and moves aside so Niall can come in. "Thank you, they're beautiful," he says, and quickly fills an empty glass with water for the roses. It's not an ideal fit, but it will do for now until Harry can get a vase for them.

"You're beautiful," Niall replies automatically and his face flushes the instant the words leave his mouth.

"And you're charming as always," Harry smiles and steps back into Niall's space.

"We could do this all day," Niall laughs and pulls Harry into his arms. They fit together just as perfectly as they always have, like two lost puzzle pieces finally being connected together again.

"Probably," Harry nods and wraps Niall up in the tightest hug. "I've missed you so much," he whispers against Niall's hair.

"I've missed you too, H." Niall buries his face in the crook of Harry's neck and breathes him in. It should probably be awkward, but nothing has felt this familiar in a long time.

They stay like that for a few moments, just swaying in each other's arms before Harry pulls back. He slips his hand into Nialls, their fingers threading together easily as he leads him over to the couch. Harry sits first and then Niall, whether by instinct or preference, sits close enough that their thighs are pressed together.

"So," Harry starts, "not that I'm not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?"

Someone has to acknowledge the elephant in the room, so Harry figures it might as well be him. He can sense that Niall is nervous so he wants to make this as easy on him as possible.

Niall takes a deep breath before answering. "I haven't quite figured that part out yet. I know we'll both be in Dublin tomorrow but we'll be pretty busy and I just... I really needed to see you tonight."

"I'm glad you're here," Harry smiles and reaches out to squeeze Niall's knee.

"Thank God," Niall sighs, visibly relieved. "I realized halfway over here that it might not be the best idea, but it was a little too late to change my mind at that point," Niall adds, sliding closer.

"I'm glad you didn't," Harry says and pulls Niall into another hug. "Are you flying back out tonight or in the morning?"

"In the morning," Niall tells him as he locks his arms around Harry's waist.

"Me too," Harry grins and pulls back to meet Niall's eyes. "What time is your flight?"

"Eight-thirty," Niall winces because he knows that's when Harry's flight is too. It pays to know people in the industry who can get that type of information for him at a moment's notice.

Harry eyes Niall curiously. "Is that a coincidence, or are you stalking me?"

"What can I say, I'm a big fan," Niall shrugs, and Harry giggles uncontrollably.

It's so unexpected but so Niall, and Harry's cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

"Well then," Harry starts, "we'll just have to make sure you get the full VIP experience, won't we?" he winks and plants a kiss on Niall's forehead.

"Is kissing included then, or was that just a bonus?" Niall teases.

"That depends," Harry replies, his expression turning serious.

"On?" Niall's skin starts to prickle with anticipation.

Harry reaches out to tilt Niall's face up. "Whether or not you want it to be."

"What if I said yes?" Niall challenges.

"Then kissing is absolutely included," Harry nods as he climbs onto Niall's lap and straddles his thighs. "Is this okay?"

"Very," Niall assures him as he grips Harry by the lapels of his jacket and drags him forward.

"Niall," Harry gasps as he cups Niall's jaw and crushes their mouths together. There's nothing hesitant about it, it's hot and desperate and he can't stop his hands from touching every part of Niall that he can reach. He slides one hand into Niall's hair and gives it a sharp tug while the other hand snakes under Niall's shirt and grazes his nipples.

"Fuck," Niall hisses because his nipples are sensitive and he's already half hard just from kissing.

"Brilliant idea," Harry whimpers against Niall's mouth before pulling back to help strip his shirt off. "I missed this so much," he admits as he reaches down and starts working Niall's jeans open.

"Which part exactly?" Niall teases. "Me, or sex in general?"

Harry rolls his eyes fondly. "You, in general, but I definitely missed sex. It's been a while," he adds.

Niall just shakes his head. "I'm not even going to ask," he says and opts for sliding his hands under Harry's kilt and up his bare thighs instead. "Don't wanna know, honestly."

"It's best if you don't," Harry agrees, "but it's nothing that ever happened more than once with the same person and definitely not with anyone who means even a fraction of what you mean to me, Ni," Harry tells him as he leans in to kiss Niall again. It's slower, and a lot less urgent this time as Niall opens up for him and their tongues slide together.

"It's in the past, pet," Niall smiles when they break apart. "Let's focus on us for now, yeah?" he suggests as his hands continue traveling up Harry's thighs.

"Yeah," Harry nods and kisses Niall again. It only lasts for a second though, before Niall is panting his name against Harry's mouth and Harry feels the sharp sting of elastic popping against his skin. He had been waiting for Niall to notice, but he didn't want to ruin the surprise.

"Knickers?" Niall asks, eyes blown wide as his hands glide over smooth silk instead of the soft cotton of Harry's briefs.

"I was feeling a bit cheeky," Harry grins and leans in to press a kiss against Niall's neck.

"But you had boxers on during the show," Niall points out, looking confused. "You flashed us at least twice and I don't recall you wearing these," he smirks as he snaps the elastic again.

"Good to know you were paying attention," Harry winks. "I took them off when I got back here. I was wearing both during the show, but I didn't want to end up on the front page of The Sun for accidentally exposing myself to an arena full of fans."

"But you didn't mind telling all of Milan that you'd do me if you were a girl for twenty-four hours?" Niall teases.

"Not in the least," Harry beams. "Besides, I did do you the minute we got back to our hotel room if memory serves. I was quite glad I wasn't a girl, though. Nothing against having lady bits but I've grown pretty attached to my cock," Harry laughs as he reaches down to rub Niall through his jeans.

"The feeling is mutual," Niall agrees, breath hitched as he slides his hand further up Harry's kilt and palms his dick through the knickers. They're a bit damp already and Harry's so hard that he's almost bursting out of them. "Fuck, pet, can I see?" he pants against Harry's mouth as he leans in for another kiss.

"Of course," Harry says as he pulls back and hikes his kilt up. The panties are black silk with fancy lace trim and they're barely large enough to hold Harry in. His cock is straining against the fabric and it's making Niall's mouth water.

"Holy Christ," Niall moans as he lifts Harry off of his lap and carefully sets him down on the couch. The next ten seconds are a blur as Niall slides to his knees and spreads Harry's thighs apart.

"I take it you approve then?" Harry says just as Niall leans in and starts mouthing at him through the delicate fabric. It's already considerably wet with Harry's pre-come but the sensation feels amazing.

"Fuck yes," Niall growls as he eases the panties down and wraps his mouth around the head of Harry's cock. He gives it a gentle suck before pulling off and kissing down the shaft. "Fuck, Haz," he pants before swallowing Harry's cock down in one fluid motion.

"Oh my God," Harry whimpers and reaches down to grip Niall's hair for leverage. "Jesus, your mouth, Ni." He's gotten more blowjobs from Niall than he could possibly count on his fingers and toes combined but they never fail to make him see stars. It's all going to be over too quickly though, and Harry doesn't want that.

"Wait," he hisses and tugs harder on Niall's hair until he gets the message.

"What's wrong, love?" Niall asks, looking up at Harry from between his thighs. He looks so concerned all of a sudden like maybe he's done something wrong. Harry hates making him look like that, but he also has way better ideas about how he might prefer to come.

"Absolutely nothing," Harry promises as he reaches down to rub Niall's cheek. "Just thought maybe I could ride you instead?"

"Christ," Niall whines, looking panicked. "I don't have anything with me. I didn't think I'd be needing lube or condoms so I didn't pack any."

Harry grins down at him and continues to caress Niall's cheek. "Check the inside pocket of my carry on bag."

Niall's panic immediately melts into amusement as he gets up and easily locates what he needs.

"I'm definitely not asking why you're so prepared, or why these look brand new," Niall says, giving Harry a teasing glare.

Harry blushes bright red. "That's because I just bought them. I ... um … " he trails off as Niall joins him on the couch again and takes Harry's hands into his own.

"It's okay, love. Clean slate, yeah? You don't owe me any - "

"I was hoping I would see you tomorrow," Harry admits in a rush. "I wasn't expecting anything, I swear, I just… I don't know," he mumbles and pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"You just wanted to be prepared?" Niall offers as he leans in to kiss Harry softly.

"Yeah," Harry breathes against Niall's lips. "Just thought I'd play it safe."

Niall kisses the tip of Harry's nose. "Good thinking, love. My beautiful genius," he grins and then stands up so he can strip the rest of his clothes off. He piles them onto a nearby armchair along with his shoes and then spreads back out on the couch next to Harry.

"Now," he continues as he surveys Harry's intricate outfit, "what parts of this can we remove? Maybe the jacket? Because you're keeping the kilt on while I fuck you."

It's not a question and makes Harry's whole body flush hotly. "Jesus," he whimpers and begins peeling off his jacket. "Shirt too?"

"Everything but the kilt," Niall instructs as he tears open the condom and starts rolling it onto his cock. "Except the knickers," he quickly amends. "I hope you're not terribly attached."

"Not especially," Harry laughs, "got loads of them."

"I hope I'll get to see them all," Niall murmurs as he slides his hand between Harry's legs and skims his fingers over the fabric. There's not much to them, really. They're just flimsy scraps of silk barely held together by fancy lace, but it's the hottest thing Niall has ever seen.

Harry covers Niall's hand with his own and presses down hard. "Anytime you want."

"Fuck," Niall says shakily, "I'm not gonna last long at this rate. Let's get you ready for me, yeah?"

"Um," Harry squirms, suddenly looking nervous. "That won't be necessary."

"Why not?" Niall asks as Harry props one thigh up and guides Niall's hand further back.

Niall doesn't seem to understand at first until his fingers graze against a hard object that seems to be firmly wedged inside of Harry.

"You're wearing a plug?" Niall says incredulously. It's something they had talked about before but never got around to experimenting with. Niall loved the idea of Harry wearing one for him, keeping him loose and open all day until Niall could take him home and fuck him.

"I figured why stop at the knickers, y'know? I was feeling pretty sexy. Thought this might be a fun time to try it."

"So what's the verdict?" Niall asks while pressing lightly on the plug.

Harry reacts immediately as a shudder rolls through him. "Don't think I'd do it on stage again, honestly. All the dancing really made me feel it."

"Fuck, that's so hot; I wish I would have known before. It's so sexy to think about you up there wearing this to keep you nice and ready for me."

"Wasn't for you," Harry frowns a bit at that, "but it is now. And it could be from now own… if you want…" he tells Niall before pressing a soft kiss to Niall's lips.

"I want," Niall nods and cradles Harry's face. "I want that so much, my love."

"Me too, baby," Harry grins brightly. "Now shut up and fuck me."

"Bossy," Niall laughs as he moves Harry's panties aside and locates the plug again. It's got a ring attached at the end which he pulls on slowly until it slips right out. It's bright pink, (because of course it is) with rhinestones - or maybe diamonds, knowing Harry - accenting the ring.

"Fuck," Harry whines at the loss. "I'm ready, baby. Can I, please?" he begs and moves to straddle Niall's lap again.

Niall quickly spreads some lube onto his cock for good measure before reaching under Harry's kilt to shove his knickers to the side.

"Go on then," Niall says as he arches his hips up a bit.

Harry wastes no time aligning himself before sinking down onto Niall's cock and taking him deep. Niall slides right in and Harry moans loudly as he starts to move. "Fuck, baby, you feel so good," he whines and leans in to press a blazing trail of kisses up Niall's neck.

"You too, petal," Niall murmurs as he reaches up and massages Harry's inner thighs. "So good for me," he adds before wrapping his fingers around Harry's cock and working him slowly.

"Niall," Harry gasps just as Niall snaps his hips and thrusts deeper into him. "I'm not going to last long," he whispers against Niall's skin as he alternates between biting and kissing. The marks are already starting to bloom bright red in contrast to Niall's pale skin and Harry loves knowing that they'll take several days to fade.

"That makes two of us," Niall laughs before using his free hand to tilt Harry's face up for a kiss. It's slow and sweet in comparison to the frantic way that Harry is rocking in his lap.

"Harder," Harry begs between kisses as he grips Niall's hair sharply. "Fuck...I'm so close."

"Don't hold back, love. Wanna hear you," Niall moans as he arches his hips again. A few more rough strokes are all it takes for Harry to cry out and come hot and sticky between them.

"Jesus," Harry whimpers softly, completely spent as Niall's arms wrap tightly around him. "Keep going," Harry says while lifting himself up slowly and sinking back down.

Niall cups Harry's face gently and gives him a soft kiss. "You sure, angel?"

"Please," Harry nods and turns the kiss into something deep and filthy. He bites at Niall's bottom lip and frantically resumes fucking himself on Niall's cock until he feels Niall coming deep inside him.

"Fuck," Niall growls against Harry's mouth, chest heaving as he stills his hips and desperately tries to regulate his breathing. "Holy Christ, that was…"

"Incredible," Harry finishes for him before carefully easing himself off of Niall's cock and flopping next to him on the couch. He's not sure he wants to chance looking down at the ruined remains of his kilt though, because there's no way he's sending it out to be cleaned.

"What's so funny?" Niall asks to Harry's surprise because he didn't even realize he had been laughing.

"Well it's not that funny actually," Harry smirks, "but I was just thinking about how there's no way in hell I'm sending this out with my dry cleaning," he explains as he lifts the kilt up to survey the damage. Sure enough, the entire underside is a sticky mess just like he feared it would be.

Niall just shrugs. "I'll send it out for you," he says before gathering Harry into his arms resting their foreheads together.

"You mean you'll get Tara to do it?" Harry corrects him as he reaches down to pinch one of Niall's nipples.

"Hey! Who's side are you on?" Niall yelps and tries to move away but Harry holds him firmly.

"Always yours, my love," Harry grins before leaning in to kiss Niall again and again. "Team Niall, all the way," he whispers against Niall's nips.

"That's more like it," Niall smirks and rubs his nose against Harry's.

"So," Harry says softly as he pulls back and brushes the hair from Niall's face, "where do we go from here?"

"Dublin, for starters," Niall says and reaches for Harry's hands. He takes hold of them both and gives them a squeeze before he continues. "Then how about we take things slow? We've both just barely gotten our tours started so that's going to take up a lot of our time - "

"But we can make time for us, right?" Harry asks hopefully. "We've got scheduled breaks so we can meet up in L.A., or Tokyo, or the moon for all I care, as long as I get to see you."

"Of course, darling," Niall smiles sweetly. "I'm not making the mistake of losing you twice," he adds as he leans in to kiss Harry's forehead.

"You didn't lose me the first time," Harry reminds him. "It was all my - "

"Nope," Niall cuts him off with a shake of his head and a soft kiss on the lips this time.

"We are absolutely not revisiting the past, okay? I'd really like to move forward and make things work for us. We're going to keep communicating, make more time for each other, and -"

Now it's Harry's turn to interrupt. "Live happily ever after?"

"Just like a fairytale," Niall nods and pulls Harry back onto his lap.

"I love you," Harry says suddenly as he cards his fingers through Niall's hair.

"I love you more," Niall insists and drags Harry into another kiss before he has a chance to argue.

(Spoiler alert: they definitely live happily ever after.)

[eeveedel]

Hey all, I’m back with another rec list, this time of some really fabulous d/s fics! This is a big list and broken down by tropes, AND I marked which ones are sub Louis (SL) versus sub Harry (SH) this time around. I hope you enjoy! 

Established Relationship 

mr. tomlinson by iwillpaintasongforlou (4k) (SL) 

Louis is a billionaire CEO who makes grown men cry and rival companies crumble. He's also an omega. Harry is the quiet cupcake of a man he calls his alpha and the only one who gets to see Louis as anything less than fearsome.

Give Me What I’m Begging For by zedi (5k) (SH)

Omega Harry is a professor at a uni. Louis is his alpha mate, whose rut is coming up soon, so Harry has to take a week off from school to be with Louis. He tells his students it's a vacation but they all can tell the truth and tease him about it. Then Louis' rut comes and they both spend a week at home to fuck it out.

Taste and Plead by larrymylove (3k) (SH) 

The one where Harry wants something, and Louis' never been one to deny his boy anything.

With your body wrapped in stars by starryeyedkids (3k) (SL) 

They had a rule.

The moment they stepped foot inside their rooms, they stopped being King Louis William and his Consort Harry Edward. They were just Harry and Louis here, husbands, partners, equals. No rules of the court or propriety applied here. It wasn’t improper here for Louis to kneel at Harry's feet while wearing a collar made of gold.

Harry nods.

“Very well. You have fifteen minutes to shower and put in the plug I left on the bathroom counter. No need to dress afterward. When you come back, kneel next to the chair on my right. You may go.”

Howls Like a Beast (You Flower, You Feast) by indiaalaphawhiskey (16k) (SL) 

France, 1754. Château de Versailles.

“You don’t love me,” Louis had said, utterly blasé as he callously fractured the heart of a Harry that was just barely eighteen.

“I do,” Harry had insisted pleadingly, green eyes already watering.

Louis had rolled his eyes, exasperated and flippant in the way only beautiful, young boys could be when faced with the affections of a baby prince. He had run his finger down Harry’s cheek then, had forced him to look into his eyes as he delivered the final blow.

“You’ll change your mind once you’ve seen more of the world,” Louis had teased, pressing a brutally delicate kiss onto Harry’s lovely, pure cheek. “Once you’ve been properly defiled.” He had whispered filthily, delighted by the gasp he heard, the frantic pink blush that had rested high on Harry’s cheeks, the power he had felt at knowing he could make the Crown Prince squirm.

Daddy kink

a million roses (bathed in rock n roll) by deLILah (30k) (SH)

au. harry sings in smoky dive bars; louis misses his flight home. they go to coney island in the morning.

(aka - harry is lana del rey, and louis makes him a star.)

Precious little thing by mercutionotromeo (21k) (SH) 

Niall grins deviously and hits “make call”, putting his phone on speaker. They lean in close to peer down at the screen, heads knocking lightly together. Dull rings reverberate quietly around the room and mix with the monotonous buzz of the lights. It rings for a while - maybe six or seven times - then the other line picks up.

There’s a slow, steady inhale, and a low voice purrs, “Hi, sexy.”

Jesus - this guy has barely said two words, and both of them have made Harry's cock twitch in his jeans. That’s not even getting to what those words are, and why he’s saying them, and how Harry’s stomach is dropping into his shoes at the mere thought of him saying... other words. Words like “cock”, and “please”, and “come”.

Also known as: a university AU featuring phone sex operator Louis, copious amounts of sweet, soft kink discovery, and Louis being Harry's Daddy.

White Pages, White Lace, Big Hands, Pretty Face by thechesirepussycat (WIP - currently at 72k) (SL) 

“He touches his sides, his neck, his lips, all the places Harry has just been, all the places that still tingle from Harry’s touch. Such a strange feeling Louis has, so unreal and nerve-racking. He can’t begin to describe what Harry has done to him, what about Harry makes Louis want to call him… Daddy.“

Or, a gratuitous Sugar Daddy!Harry and Student!Louis AU.

Loving You is Free by littlelouishiccups (67k) (SH)

Louis is a workaholic record label CEO who hasn't been on a date in nearly a year. Niall and Liam make an account for him on a sugar dating website as a joke. And then Louis meets Harry.

daddy daddy cool by sky_reid (6k) (SH)

Harry wakes up hard.

Run and I’ll Give Chase by Madalynn_Bohemia (24k) (SH)

“You go out every night and maybe you’re able to drink without hurting anyone, but you’re still thirsty, aren’t you? Still have an itch you can’t scratch. A need you can’t put a name to. You desire a companion.”

“You mean a keeper?” Harry corrects with venom in his voice. “Someone to put a leash on me.”

“Wouldn’t need a leash, love.” Louis whispers sensually, and he is suddenly behind Harry, too fast for his eyes to keep track of. “You’re practically pliant just by being in my presence. Of course, if you’re into that sort of thing, I could always get you a lovely collar with a matching leash once you decide to take me up on my offer.”

Or, Harry is a fledgling vampire without a maker. Louis is graciously offering to fill that role.

Punishment Heavy

know you got that thing (that I like) by lightseep (15k) (SL)

In all the ways he thought about their reunion going, watching Louis finger himself open was not on the list.

Beside Me Like a Silhouette by domeasspreadsheet (3k) (SH)

“Quite the ruckus from someone who thought they were coming home to a sleeping household,” Louis says on an exhale of smoke.

Oh. Harry has been set up.

“Well, maybe if I hadn’t thought you were bailing on me I would have tried harder to be quiet,” he huffs.

Louis levels his gaze at him. “Is that so?”

Call Me Shallow But I Am Only Getting Deeper (7k) (orphaned) (SL)

Harry gripped the back of Louis’ chair and rested his left hand against the table’s surface. He slowly arched his back and let his lips hover just above the shell of Louis’ ear. Louis instantly reacted to Harry’s change of demeanor, his shoulders subconsciously pulling back. A smirk twitched the corner of his mouth when Louis’ thighs slightly parted.

“You want to keep acting like some bratty princess?” Harry quietly asked, lowering the tone of his voice. He slipped his hand from the back of Louis’ chair and clasped it around the nape of Louis’ neck. “Fine,” Harry gently squeezed, “That’s exactly how I’ll treat you, Baby.”

OR

The one where Louis is a brat so Harry spanks him with a riding crop.

Naughty Girls Get Spanked by Erin94 (4k) (SL)

When Louis gets caught trying to steal a trophy from Harry for his sorority, he ends up having a lot more fun than he had planned.

Or the one where Louis wears panties and gets spanked and fucked by frat boy Harry.

Kink Exploration

I Only Ever Want You by itsmiz (180k) (SL)

Louis and Harry's relationship goes through a series of changes while Liam and Zayn discover new things about themselves, as well.

Or: Louis & Harry and Liam & Zayn begin to have sex in front of each other and a lot of kink-discovery results from that.

Sugar, With Just the Right Amount of Spice by ZiamsLarry (6k) (SL)

Harry’s old fashioned when it comes to sex, he loves being face to face with his partner, watching their reactions to everything Harry gives them. He never does anything else then fuck in missionary position. Louis loves his sex life with Harry - but he’s getting a bit bored with doing the same position, all he really wants is for Harry to be rough with him, take control and dominate him for once.

Switch Out The Batteries by istajmaal and LoadedGunn (88k) (SH)

Harry raises an eyebrow. "Sex dice?"

"Yup," Louis nods. "You know the ones we sell, one die for a body part and the other for an action to perform on that… part."

"Isn't that what old married couples buy from you to spice things up?"

Louis frowns and opens his mouth to tell Harry off, but then he catches his absolutely dreamy expression and can only laugh. "Yes dear, we're just like any middle-aged married couple. Except for the fact that we're in our twenties and have a box full of bondage gear under our bed."

Two years after meeting in a sex shop, Harry's just returning to Louis from a month-long tour in the States, and they come up with a wholesome bonding exercise.

a cage for every ugly spirit by sarcasticfluentry (15k) (SH)

First-year uni student Harry gives up orgasms for Lent, featuring a cock cage and weekly prostate milkings on Sundays. Warning for religion kink.

Reduce Me to a Pleading Cry (Break the Skin and Tantalize) by taggiecb (37k) (SH)

As the CEO of Styles & Styles, Harry Styles cuts a brooding and handsome figure at the helm of a very successful business. His reputation for intensity is well known, but you would be intense, too, if you had to work numbers all day, give countless orders, and conduct endless meetings. When all you really want to do at night--ache to do--is give away the reins, let someone else make the decisions, be ordered around for once, just--let go. Harry has reached his breaking point when one touch from a man whose very stance commands attention leads him back to a place he thought he’d never return.

Or Harry is a broody submissive boss, Louis is a natural dom who works in the mail room at Styles & Styles, Niall is a matchmaking oracle, and a slender, dark haired man stands mute at the coffee stand encouraging others to spill their secrets.

Something in the World Today by whoknows (48k) (SL)

It shouldn’t be a surprise, the first time that Louis drops to his knees in front of Harry. It shouldn’t be, because it’s been something that Louis has needed for a long time. It shouldn’t be, because he’s been crawling out of his skin for weeks on end. It shouldn’t be, because Harry always makes him feel better. It shouldn’t be, because he’s needed this even when he didn’t know that he needed it.

Somehow, it still is.

Arranged Relationship/Born a Dom or Sub 

The Brat and the Tamer by Teddy1008 (18k) (SL)

No one can tame Louis Tomlinson. There’s only one word to describe him - brat. He’s been auctioned multiple times and returned every time. It seems like there’s no hope to tame the bratty Sub. That is, until a man with curls and piercing green eyes appear. Harry Styles.

Not that the man will change anything. Pfft. Of course not.

When I need you, I need it quickly by marvelous_things (160k) (SL)

"His wrist almost numb, Louis practically dissolves into the pillow, panting and guilty as can be, his belly splattered with his own come. He wipes himself off with a tissue and rolls over, only vaguely satisfied. And he thinks of how Harry might have actually done it – he might have actually ruined Louis, rendered him incapable of wanting anyone else...anything else.

And how terribly smug he would be if he knew."

or, the daddy!kink dom/sub au nobody asked for.

[fionnmeetsharry]

The good kind of falling

A/N:  soooo i know its been forever and im sorry and i love each and every single one of you guys. I had a couple of requests for some Fionn Fluff so here iit is, i will have a smutt piece up soon because i had some requests for that too. After the smutt piece i will have another part to A&A up!!

“What, no no Fionn I can’t”. 

“C’mon Y/N I know you don’t have anything to do and it’s kinda like a house warming for me, I’ve finally got my own home”. You could hear the boys desperation for your company over the phone, you could practically see him pacing in his kitchen playing with his earring and yearning for you to say a yes. “Fine, you win Whitehead what time should I be there?” “7 good?” You could hear the smile in his voice, and it’s not like you didn’t want to hang out with him but you’d never spent the night, this was just something different something you weren’t used too. “Yea I’ll see you at 7”. //

This place was incredible, basically a little cottage hidden out in the country but it looked as if it was surrounded by a rainforest. 

You walked up the steps to the front porch, luggage in hand and a nervous heartbeat in your chest. After knocking three times you hear what seems to be a frantic Fionn behind the wooden door and a loud ‘Shit’ before it opened. “Y/N you’re here”. “Umm... yea it’s seven just like you said”. Fionn was frozen staring at you with his mouth hung open, he looked completely confused like he didn’t even know who you were. “Oh, yea I did say seven didn’t I, I just didn’t realize it was that late wanted to have dinner done before you got here”. “ You didn’t have to cook dinner and what happened to your hand”. Fionn was standing with a wet dish towel wrapped around his right as it dropped water onto his wood floors. “ Oh yea, I uh.. kinda burned my hand on the baking sheet, didn’t have my hand fully cover with the oven mitt”. “Well if you invite me in maybe I could help you with it...and dinner” Fionn got a frantic look on his face as he grabbed your bag and let you into his home, it was beautiful, peaceful. “Shit, I’m sorry, I’m a little flustered wanted everything to be perfect”.   “Fionn it’s just me and a few of your other friends, no one cares if it’s perfect or not, we just want to hang with you”. Fionn set down the wet towel and quickly wrapped his arms around your waist, burying his face into the crook of your neck and inhaling your scent to calm him down. “Thanks love”. “No problem, now let’s take a look at this burn yea”. After much researching and Fionn holding ice on his hand for about thirty minutes, you finally came to the conclusion that coconut oil was the best home remedy for burns. Fionn was reluctant at first about smothering his burned hand in coconut oil, but he eventually obliged and the two of you finished up dinner together. “I’m really glad you’re here Y/N”. Fionn said as he finished up a chipotle sauce that he made to go along with the tacos that he had cooked up for the night. “I’m really glad I am too”. You said taking a sip of water trying to make the feeling between the two of you seem less awkward. You’d spent plenty of time with Fionn alone, he was your best friend, but it was just something about watching him do domestic things in his new home that made you feel different. “Here, try this”. Fionn dipped his finger into the sauce, walking over to you and holding the single digit to your mouth. Reluctantly without breaking eye contact to make it seem less awkward you took his finger into your mouth, licking the slightly spicy sauce from his skin. “It’s good”.  You said barely above a whisper, you back leaning against the edge of the black marble counter. “Yea?”Fionn said swallowing to where you could see his Adam’s apple bob up and down. “So you like it?”You felt cornered as if Fionn was getting impossibly closer, not that you were complaining, that was the absolute last thing you were doing. “Yea, I do”. Suddenly there was a loud knock at the door followed by joyful hollering, the others were here and Fionn seemed like he was lost in his own world. “Fionn, I think everyone else is here”. Fionn came out of his trance, quickly washing his hands. “Guess I better answer the door then huh?”   Fionn hurried to the door, opening it to reveal a very excited Barry, Tom, and Harry all with luggage in hand. “Fionn, mate this place is sick”. Said Barry as he hugged Fionn quickly before fully entering the beautiful home. “And you must be Y/N, lovely to meet you”. You have Barry a shy smile and small wave as he and the others made their way inside. You didn’t know if you were feeling excitement from finally getting to meet Fionns friends, or relief from the strange moment the two of you almost had a couple of minutes ago. “Y/N love how are you?” Harry walked in, excitement on his face and his arms open always ready for a hug. Harry was the only other friend of Fionns that you had met, you swore that that man kept a schedule to make sure he had time for his friends. Every first week of the month Harry and Niall usually are hanging out or going to each other’s shows, every second week of the month it’s the same thing with Liam, and every third it’s Fionn. “I’m good H, how are you?” “I definitely can’t complain”. After a few more of Fionns arrived including Tom-GC and Jack, you all finally ate while admiring how beautiful the kitchen was. This had to be one of the most beautiful homes you’d ever seen, the combination of the wood detail and the glass doors either with beautiful countertops really pulled the whole kitchen together. 

After dinner, Fionn turned on his house speakers which ran through the entire home and the back patio, music filling the entire home. Everyone headed to the back patio while you helped Fionn carry some drinks out for everyone. After a few too many drinks all the boys were singing along to each song, each song getting more and more off key and louder as the danced around the gorgeous light of the pool. 

You were starting to feel a little buzzed after your third drink, meanwhile the boys were pretty drunk. You and Fionn were dancing, more of him just holding onto your waist so he didn’t fall down as “Touch” by Little Mix started blaring through the speakers. Fionn seemed to know all the word as he sang to you terribly off key “Just a touch of your love is enough to take control of my whole body” Harry and Tom were what looked like attempting to tango while jack and Barry were pouring themselves one more drink. This was the most fun you’d had in a while, listening to Fionn sing Little Mix and watching Harry’s dad dance moves, but you still weren’t sure about where you and Fionns friendship was going, you had always been touchy but he seemed to be even more than usual tonight. At around 3:17 AM you started helping everyone to bed, making sure that they got up the stairs and finding their rooms in the large home ok. Fionn being the last boy you help to bed as you try to help carry his stumbling self to his room and gently set him on his bed. “Y/N?” “Yea Fionn?” You said as you took his shoes off for him. “Do you think of me?” “Umm.... yea of course you’re my best friend. Do you think of me?” You said as you pulled him a clean pair of grey sweatpants from his drawer, handing them to him to change into if he could after you left. “Yea ... a l-lot... lot”. You laughed at your best friends drunken speech and question, “Well good, I hope so because I plan on being your friend for a while”. You started to leave the room to give him some privacy to change and also you were exhausted and really just wanted a shower. “Y/N”. Fionn called out in a whiny tone. You turned around to see the drunk boy fiddling with his belt trying to undo it he tugging the wrong way, making it tighter. “I can’t get this .... ugggh!” “Fionn Fionn be quiet, the others are sleeping”. He looked up at you with desperate, bloodshot, tires eyes like a child that was frustrated and just wanted help. “I can’t get this fuckin thing off of me”. He said trying to pull it off the wrong way one more time. “Ok ok, I’ll help you with the belt”. Fionn watched in amazement at your fingers working to get the belt undone like they were the magic key to some lock. “There see, the belts off and now you can change”. “Nooooo”. Fionn still has that childlike look of being helpless and you were the only one who could help him. You let out an aggravated huff as you got down on your knees to undo the button on his jeans. Fionn was watching you while grinning from ear to ear, “What is it Fionn”. You said as you stopped working at the button that seemed to be stuck, you weren’t that drunk.... were you? “You’re takin my pants off”. “Yes Fionn, I’m helping you change remember”. “Aren’t you gonna take me on a date first”. You rolled your eyes and continued to work at the button. “I haven’t any pants underneath”. The drunk boy snickered while keeping his eyes locked on your hands. “Fionn Whitehead you better have something on under these jeans”. “Kidding!-” Fionn screamed with smiling “I have on some”. Finally after much work and your fingers being sore you got the button undone, pulling his pants down and helping him into the sweats, and after much whining from Fionn helping him remove his shirt which he got tagged around his neck. “Sleep with me please”. A droopy eyes already under the covers Fionn said as you were about to leave. “What?” “Not like....n-not like seeex silly, jus’ it’s jus’ I don’t wanna be alone....please?”   “Ok”. You climbed into the opposite side of the bed, Fionn immediately wrapping his arm around your waist and laying his head on your chest. “I do think of you Y/N. I think about how happy I am when I’m with you, how I’m never that happy with anyone else. I think about how much I love playing with your hair and I wonder if you’re ok all the time when I’m not with you. I think of how soft your skin is and how you must put lotion on everyday, but them I remember you don’t put lotion on all the day and that’s just how you are. And I think about your scent, how you have this incredibly scent that makes me feel all fuzzy inside and how it comforts me and how I wish I could just bottle that scent up and have it for whenever we’re not together. And how if I could bottle that scent I’d call it my girl, cause you’re my girl Y/N.... well I hope you are one day at least because I think I’m in love with everything about you”. You were playing with Fionns hair while he was giving you his little speech, but you weren’t sure how to respond. Surely it was just the alcohol talking and he didn’t really mean any of that, or that’s what you had to tell yourself I order to get some sleep. You woke up to the sounds of a guitar and what seemed to be Fionn singing, looking over at the clock it read 10:48 AM. How long had he been up ? “Morning”. You said as you walked out onto his balcony where he was sat with his guitar and two plates of fruit and toast. 

“Morning, made breakfast. The rest of the lads aren’t up yet so I just brought it up here”. Fionn sat down his guitar and motioned for you to sit and eat. “What were you playing?”   Fionns cheeks instantly turned red as he avoided your eyes, “Just some fray”. “Well is love to hear more if you wouldn’t mind”. Fionn hesitated to pick his guitar back up, but that was the thing, if anyone else had asked him to continue he would have just changed the subject, but for you, for Y/N, he would do anything. “Oh, ooh, ohBe my babyOh, ooh, ohOh, ooh, ohOh, ooh, ohBe my babyI'll look after you There now, steady love, so few come and don't goWill you, won't you be the one I'll always know?When I'm losing my control, the city spins aroundYou're the only one who knows, you slow it down”. “I....I meant it ya know.... when I said that I think... that I’m falling in love with you”. Your face fell to shock. How did he remember that? Did he remember the whole monologue that he gave you? “W-what?” Fionn let out a small laugh as he set his guitar down, “I wasn’t that drunk Y/N, all the things I said last night, that’s how I really feel about you”.   “I’m not sure what to say. I mean I’ve been feeling a little differently about our relationship lately. I mean I hate it when you’re off filming and I don’t get to see you for months and I love how when we’re just hanging out and watching a movie if my feet are cold you let me warm them up on you. I love how when I have a bad day at work or a headache you’ll play with my hair and just talk to me until I fall asleep because I love your voice and I think.... I think I may be falling in love with you too”. Fionn leaned forward quickly, placing a soft and sweet kiss to your lips. “Your lips are even softer than your skin”. You laughed before capture his lips with yours, giving him a slightly deep kiss than before. “I’ve really been wanting that for a while”. Fionn pushes a stray piece of hair from your face, “Well how about we practice it just a little bit more after all of these hungover guys are out of my house?” “I’m holding you to that Whitehead”. After the boys left, the rest of your day pretty much consisted of making out and cuddling wth Fionn in his hammock. You  couldnt remember a time where you felt more happy and safe, you were lucky to have Fionn.

[thunderoad]

3.3k of a time traveller au; 2017 harry wakes up in december 2012, and 2017 niall finds himself responsible for helping 2012 harry get home

Jeff slings his arm around Harry’s neck and pulls him in close, tucking him up under his chin. Harry tries not to smile but he’s just hammered enough to know he’s grinning like a Cheshire cat. He snakes his hand under Jeff’s blazer and curls his palm around Jeff’s hip. It makes Jeff huff - he must’ve touched a ticklish spot - and then laugh and shake his head.

“You did it, Hersh,” he says. Harry can’t crane his head up to look at Jeff’s face with his cheek pressed to his collarbone, so he regretfully pulls away to stand up on his own. Well, mostly on his own. He still needs Jeff’s arm around him to stay upright.

“It’s a great party, isn’t it?” Harry asks, raising his voice to be heard over the din. His assistant, Marilou, always does such a fabulous job with the lighting and with making sure that there’s lots of little trays circulating with lots of interesting things to eat; since they’re in Japan, the platters are stacked high with sushi, and Harry thinks she might have even called to hire street artists to demonstrate how to swallow a flaming sword. A troupe of buskers sing a mournful song in a language Harry doesn’t know, and a flash of annoyance shoots through him. He can’t tell if he’s annoyed with himself for not understanding or with them for playing such sad music, but he does his best to shrug it off.

Jeff squeezes Harry’s shoulder, his smile wide. “Not the party, man! I meant the tour!”

“The tour!” Harry shouts agreeably, and snags a sparkling pink drink off a tray passing by to raise his glass in a toast.

“First tour done!” Jeff goes on. Glenne squeezes between two vigorous dancers and takes Jeff’s hand. She puts her other hand on Harry’s shoulder and gives him a friendly squeeze. Harry’s careful not to slosh his drink all over her when he leans in for a proper hug.

Harry repeats, “First tour done!,” clinks his glass against Jeff’s, and knocks back the drink in one go.

“Many more to come,” Glenne adds. She takes the empty glass from Harry’s hand, sets it high on the heaping table near where they’re stood, and pulls them both into the throng of dancing bodies. Harry goes easily, feeling the bass thunder up from the quaking floor right into his very bones.

***

A beam of sunlight shoots through a chink in the blinds and lands squarely on Harry’s eye. He groans and rolls over, but rolling entails moving, and now his swimmy stomach feels like it’s trying to swim right up through his mouth. “No,” Harry whines weakly, and waits, and hopes, and the need to puke recedes minutely.

Complaining would feel good, Harry thinks (he feels like he’s dying and his bladder is about to burst and his mouth tastes like Jaeger), but the amount of effort required to form his thoughts into sentences puts him off it.

Room service. If he can find the phone, he can dial room service, and room service can bring him some paracetamol. But first he needs to get up and pee. Harry concentrates, but he can’t remember the floor plan of his hotel room, and he doesn’t fancy smashing his face into any walls, so he unwillingly cracks an eye open.

And it’s...not his hotel room, that’s for sure. Did he go home with someone last night? Maybe. (Probably.) But this doesn’t even look like someone’s room, really, unless that person has the personality of a member of the Queen’s Guard. The sheets and duvet are twisted up round Harry’s legs, but they’re mystifyingly white and tan. There’s a TV and a writing desk across the room on the opposite wall next to a lamp bolted to the floor.

Alright, Harry thinks, so definitely a hotel room. Whose hotel room? Are they still here? “Hello?” Harry tries. He twists his fingers in the sheets to ride out the wave of nausea like he’s back in Jamaica gripping water through his fingers to stay afloat. “Is - Is anybody there?”

No answer. Maybe he changed hotels last night? Normally, if fans figure out where he is or whatever, he just changes rooms.

The need to pee pushes all other considerations out of Harry’s head, and he slides his weight carefully onto his feet. He’s a little surprised his legs hold, and more than a little proud of himself. He hustles to the en suite bathroom and drops trou, surprised to find that he’s still wearing his pants.

Ordinarily he sleeps naked, and if he took someone home with him - but maybe he didn’t? Maybe they took the party on the road and Jeff checked him in here to sleep it off. Jeff. Harry’s phone. Yes, brill plan. As soon as Harry’s done emptying his bladder he’ll get right on it. And he might call room service, too.

Someone bangs on the door, making Harry jump so hard he nearly sprays the toilet lid like he hasn’t done since he was just an itty bitty lad. “We’re leaving for the airport in five, and if you’re not in the car we’re leaving without you!”

Bus? Harry’s on tour, yeah, but they mainly travel by plane; they hadn’t had the tour bus shipped all the way to Japan for a couple of dates. Had they?

“Sorry,” Harry clears his voice, “I think you’ve got the wrong room.”

“Ha ha,” someone says. They don’t really sound like they’re laughing. “Very funny. Not really, that was awful. See you downstairs!” The doorknob jiggles like someone’s trying to let themselves in, and Harry freezes with his pants gathered round his ankles and his hand still wrapped around his willy, defenseless. He holds his breath.

The door stays shut. “Five minutes!” The person repeats, and Harry lets out a breath. He tugs his pants up around his hips, washes his hands quickly in the sink - he’s not an animal, this might be a strange situation but he has standards, thank you very much - and hurries to find his clothes so he can get dressed and out of here before whoever thinks he’s coming with them finds out he’s very much not. He can call Jeff just as easily from the lobby, huddled behind a potted plant. He’s done it before.

His own clothes are nowhere to be found, but he discovers an open suitcase with a heap of jeans and ratty t-shirts inside, contemplates theft for a moment, realizes he has no other options, and quickly pulls it on. The clothes look familiar for some reason, like maybe he shops at the same store, but he doesn’t stop to think about it. He’s sliding his feet into a battered pair of trainers and pats his pocket for his phone before he realizes he never found it.

Harry freezes, torn between two equally awful possibilities. Look for his phone and wait to get caught, or leave it and be effectively alone in a city whose language he doesn’t speak?

Fuck.

Harry’s still frozen when he hears the distinct sound of a key card sliding into the lock. He closes his eyes again. The door swings open, and Harry braces for the worst.

“Harry?” says a familiar voice. “What are you doing stood there for? We’ve got to be in the car five minutes ago, or we might miss our flight! What have you done to your hair?”

Harry opens one eye, then the other. Liam fucking Payne is stood across from him with his arms folded across his chest like a disapproving father and his brow wrinkled like Harry’s nan’s. “If you’re hungover, that’s not our fault,” Liam says crisply. He steps sideways, shuts the door behind himself, and sets about tidying Harry’s room for him. He heaps the shirts and jeans and pants he finds lying around into the suitcase and sits on it to zip it closed.

“Liam?” Harry squeaks. He clears his throat. “What...are you...in Japan?”

Liam looks up at him. He’s buzzed his hair again, Harry thinks absently. His face is soft and round, though; Harry’s heart gives an unwilling surge of affection. “Japan? What are you on about? We’re not in Japan.”

“Not...in...” Harry blinks. What was Harry drinking last night? Maybe he wasn’t drinking, maybe he took something? What could he have taken that’d let him wake up in another country? “Where...are we?”

“New York,” Liam says briskly. He puts his hands on his hips. “Seriously, how much did you and Taylor have to drink last night?”

“Taylor?” Harry repeats.

Just then, a series of rapid knocks lands on the door.

“Don’t answer it!” Harry squawks.

Liam shoots him a bewildered look and ignores him entirely, the traitor. He pulls the door open quickly, and someone dutifully recites, “Paul says to come and make sure you didn’t get killed so he can kill you himself. What the fuck’s taking so long?”

“Harry’s on a bender,” Liam answers primly. Harry’s scowling before he can think twice.

The other person whistles lowly. “Is he really? What’re you having, then, Styles, did you save any for me?”

Irish lilt, skinny legs, pink cheeks. Harry knows this other person, too. “I think I need to sit down,” he says, and can’t think how to move, so he doesn’t. “What are you two doing here?”

There’s the fractured silence of two people sharing a meaningful look, followed by Niall’s thoughtful, “You reckon he hit his head?”

Harry stiffens in surprise. He does have a headache. Maybe this is all just some weird hallucination, and his subconscious is speaking to him through his old bandmates. He bends his head obligingly for Niall to check, only Niall clucks in disguise. “I’m going to need a feckin chair to stand on. When did you get so tall? And what happened to your hair?”

Even as he talks his hand finds its way carefully to Harry’s head. It comes as a shock when he combs his fingers gently through Harry’s fringe before setting about feeling for any lumps. Harry looks up at Niall through the screen of his hair while Niall investigates him for brain damage, and realization trickles in first slowly, then in a rush.

The tips of Niall’s blonde fringe poke out from under his gray beanie, and his face is entirely smooth, no stubble to be found. He doesn’t even really look like himself, he’s so young. Liam, with his buzzed head, too...and no tattoos on his bare arms.

“I’m having a panic attack,” Harry announces, and waits to faint, or something.

There follows a mystified silence, ended abruptly by someone throwing the door open with all the force of a wild karate kick. “What’s wrong with him?” another familiar voice asks.

He must be dying, Harry thinks. He must have a brain tumor or some other serious illness. Something must be very, very wrong.

“He says he’s having a panic attack,” Liam answers Louis quietly, like Harry’s a proper mental patient.

Niall offers, “That don’t look like no panic attack to me,” thoughtfully.

“He’s going to make us late to the airport, and if we’re late there, we’ll miss the Jingle Ball,” Louis says in his brisk important way. To the others, he says, “He and Taylor probably had a row.” Then, to Harry, “Get your things and let’s go. You can finish your meltdown on the plane over coffee and brekkie.”

It’s the promise of coffee and breakfast that, more than anything, convinces Harry to go along. It isn’t till they’re stood in the hallway waiting for Paul to come and collect them that Harry musters up the strength to ask, “Jingle Ball?”

“Yeah,” says Niall. He starts chewing on his thumb nail. “Back in London.”

Harry frowns. “You going to be alright on the plane for that long?”

“Are you?” Niall fires back.

Harry falls silent, chastened. To himself, he murmurs, “Jingle Ball, London...”

“December 8, 2012,” Niall nods along. “Now you’re getting it.”

&&&

Niall’s cycling through the apps on his phone backstage and considering whether to launch another Instagram livestream when Conor whomps him in the face with a pillow from the sofa. “What the hell?” Niall splutters.

Jake and Gerry both laugh. “We can hear you thinkin’,” calls John from his spot over by the huge gift basket they arrived to find set out for them with Guinness, peanuts, and candy in. “The boys and I agree: no more livestreams till you think of something to do during them.”

Niall splutters again, this time to keep from laughing. “I’ll have you know I’ve been doing absolutely nothing on streams since before there even were an Instagram,” which may not technically be true, but whatever.

“What was that?” Jake stage whispers to Conor, who grins. “A year ago?”

“Bet it was just as boring then,” Conor agrees.

“You’re all fired,” Niall says, going back to his phone. “I’ll go out there on me own and play the show acoustic. And no puppy, either,” he adds, though so soft probably only he can hear it. He’s just got the strangest email he’s ever had, and he’s had some whoppers. Niall reads it again, then once more just to make sure he’s really seeing what he thinks he’s seeing.

The boys go back to teasing him amongst themselves; Niall overhears Conor’s, “Check out the look on his face, bet that’s him watching the viewers drop ‘cos I’m not onscreen,” before both Jake and John punch him in the leg. Niall taps back a response, careful not to put too much thought into it:

Are you fucking w me? How do I know this is really you?

And sends it off. Niall still gets fanmail to this email address, and sometimes it’s mad entertaining, but this message looked different from the get-go. The subject line read: NIALL IT’S HARRY I NEED YOUR HELP, which was enough to raise several flags.

All the flags, really.

Niall hasn’t seen Harry since...which came first, was it his show or was it the one they were both on the bill for, the one Niall was surprise guest at? He’s done so many shows over the past year that he can’t quite keep them straight anymore, and the itch to start a new spreadsheet gets stronger.

It’s probably just someone fucking with him, he reasons. He gets enough nutters on all platforms to know better, really.

But who could resist a cry for help?

Niall pops his thumbnail into his mouth and starts absolutely wrecking his cuticles. He’s not sure which is more strange: Harry needing help, or Harry needing his help.

While Niall’s busy pondering that, Gerry drops down beside him. “Everything ok?” he checks, cuffing Niall on the back of the head in a friendly way.

“Just got the weirdest email of me life,” Niall admits, forcing his hand down to his lap. Gerry’s eyebrows go up, and Niall’s just wondering whether he ought to explain when Lucy, the showrunner for tonight’s Jingle Ball, knocks twice on the open dressing room door.

“Five minutes to stage, guys!”

The lads all jump up to get ready, equipping themselves with their instruments like a troupe of powerfully unintimidating warriors. Niall reaches for his guitar with no small amount of relief, happy to force everything out of his head except the next five songs. It’s his last live show like this for the next few months, and he’s been looking forward to it and dreading it in equal measure.

‘Course, his problems are still there when he gets offstage. He pauses in the cinderblock hallway backstage while the boys pile into the dressing room for snacks and bottles of water before going to catch the rest of the show or to share a few drinks with the mates they’ve made over the Jingle Ball tour. His email correspondent (allegedly Harry, but Niall’s not yet convinced) has sent back,

It’s me. Followed by, You’ve got a huge crush on Katy Perry, your favorite song is “Desperado,” you’re terrible at cuddling, and I need your help!! I’m really not fucking with you!!

The message is followed by an avalanche of distraught emojis. “Fuck,” Niall says to the empty hallway, just for the sake of hearing himself say it. Then he emails back his phone number. Not but five minutes later does his phone start ringing. Niall swipes to answer and damn near crushes his ear, he claps his phone to his ear so fast. “Hello?”

“Oh, thank God it’s you,” Harry sighs over the line. “I’ve had,” his voice wobbles, “the most awful day, the bath had three showerheads in and there was sushi everywhere -”

Niall very nearly slumps in relief. He’d know that posh drawl anywhere, and he doesn’t sound like he’s dying, so that’s Niall’s worst fears sorted out. He opens the first door he sees for a bit of privacy and finds a cramped utility closet he wouldn’t cram himself into if his life depended on it. He keeps looking, and asks Harry, “And that’s a bad thing?”

“Well, no,” Harry sighs, sounding put out. “It was top. But then I found my phone, and there were all these messages on it from people I didn’t know, and I started getting these angry phone calls from people asking why I’d missed these meetings, and I didn’t know what to say, and I didn’t know who to call, nobody’s number is in service, and...” he sniffs.

Quietly, Niall argues, “Your mum’s number hasn’t changed.”

“I couldn’t tell my mum this! She’d probably have a heart attack, Niall!”

Niall ducks into the loo, darts into a stall, and plops down on the closed toilet lid. He rubs his forehead with his fingertips, too tired and befuddled to know what to think. The faint, euphoric he called me, Niall quashes ruthlessly. “And what exactly is ‘this,’ then?”

“I’m a time-traveller,” Harry says, “obviously.”

***

Together, Niall and Harry arrange for Harry to fly out to LA, where he’ll take a car out to Niall’s place in Laurel Canyon. Meanwhile, Niall will leave from New York tomorrow morning, which puts them both in California with just a few hours’ difference.

“And then we’ll...” Niall draws up short. He’s back in his hotel room with his laptop open on the bed in front of him and his shirt unbuttoned over his chest. He hung up on Harry so he could say goodbye to all his Jingle Ball mates, and then he and the lads had to stop by a local bar for a few celebratory pints before splitting up for the holidays, and now they’re gearing up to do a proper night.

Harry’s silence on the other end is hardly vacant. “We’ll figure something out,” Harry says sleepily. “Hey, Niall?”

Niall gazes at his reflection in the mirror atop the bureau. He’s gone tense all over like he’s expecting a blow, and he has to remind himself that this Harry - if he really is telling the truth, somehow, if he’s not just away in the head - is from 2012, and as far as he knows, Niall’s just one of his good mates. Someone to call in a panic, someone to help him.

“Yeah, Haz.”

“You promise you won’t tell my mum or Robin?” Harry asks. His voice has gone treacle slow with drowsiness, and Niall pops his cuticle into his mouth. “I just don’t want them to worry, or tell me I can’t tour again. Not that she could stop me,” he tacks on, though he doesn’t sound convinced.

“I promise,” Niall says. “I don’t think anybody would believe me anyway.”

His phone buzzes with a message; it’s Tara, forever every evening’s organizer, letting Niall know everybody’s waiting for him in the lobby.

“I gotta go.”

“Okay,” Harry says, and from the sound of his voice Niall knows he’s worrying at his bottom lip. “See you soon.”

“Yeah,” Niall says. “Will do.”

[domestic-harry]

Hi Lis! I know you used to do fic recs based on playlists/albums and I know this is a big request buuuut could you do one based off of your H&L Playlist? You're the best!

My H&L Playlist Fic Rec

God Only Knows by The Beach Boys

If you should ever leave meThough life would still go on, believe meThe world could show nothing to meSo what good would livin’ do meGod only knows what I’d be without you

These Inconvenient Fireworks : Future AU in which nobody tries out for X Factor but the boys end up finding one other eventually anyway. Louis is a jaded bastard who owns a cat named Duchess and teaches drama to teenagers, Harry is an idealistic aspiring photographer/part-time footy coach, Zayn teaches English lit and wears leather jackets, Liam saves people from burning buildings, and Niall is Niall. 

Pretty Boy by Young Galaxy 

When we were lostWe found each otherAnd headed sightless for the cityWe had no wayMisfit and stray

Atlas At Last : He doesn’t know what he had been expecting out of the road trip itself besides burping contests and too much shitty gas station food with Oli and Stan, but in the brief moment before Harry ambles up his driveway, Louis idly wonders if this is about to become some sort of Gay Coming of Age story.Maine to California in ten days. In which Zayn’s an open-shirt hippie they meet somewhere in Ohio, Liam’s the pastor’s son running away from home, and Niall’s the number they call on the bathroom wall.It’s 1978. Harry and Louis are just trying to get to San Fran in time for the Queen concert. 

Baby I’m Yours by Arctic Monkeys

And I’ll be yours until the stars fall from the sky

Through Struggles, To The Stars : Louis is a Starfleet captain trying to find his place in the universe. Harry is a prince just trying to do what’s right. A Star Trek-inspired AU.

Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles

Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winterLittle darling, it feels like years since it’s been hereHere comes the sun, here comes the sunAnd I say it’s all right

Turning Page : Harry Styles tries to get lost in a place he’s never been.  Louis Tomlinson has been perfecting the art of being lost for years. What they don’t expect to find is each other.

This Magic Moment by The Drifters 

And then it happened, it took me by surprise

Hiding Place : Louis never wanted a soulmate, didn’t really care for the whole Bonding thing at all, really. Enter Harry Styles, who’s wanted to be Bonded for as long as he could remember. With one fateful meeting in an X Factor bathroom, Louis gets a dagger on his arm and the realization that just because Harry is his soulmate doesn’t mean it’s mutual.From the X Factor house to Madison Square Garden, from the Fountain Studios stage to stadiums across the world, Louis has to learn to love without losing himself completely, because someday his best friend will Bond to someone and replace Louis as the center of his universe.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice by The Beach Boys

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could wake upIn the morning when the day is new?And after having spent the day togetherHold each other close the whole night through

My Heart Is Beating For This Moment In Time : When Louis first saw Harry at the 2010 X Factor Auditions, he thought he was watching a peculiarly special stranger. But Harry has known Louis ever since he was five years old.Because Louis has a rare genetic disorder that causes him to Time Travel to important moments in his past and in his future - and to Harry, always to Harry. When they’re put into a band together, it seems like everything Harry has been waiting and wishing for has finally come true. Except for the small fact that Louis doesn’t know that Harry is in love with him- that Harry’s always been in love with him. Fate, it would seem, is just getting started.A story about growing up and growing together, and the impossible love that makes it all worthwhile. 

I’m A King Bee by The Rolling Stones

Well I’m a king bee Buzzing around your hive

Wear It Like A Crown : AU. As part of a team of fixers hired to handle a gay scandal in Buckingham Palace, Louis expects Prince Harry to be a lot of things—most notably a royally spoilt brat. Never mind that the very same Prince Harry used to star in quite a number of Louis’ teenage fantasies. 

Satellite by Gustar

Always the first star that I find

Relief Next To Me : AU. What happens when a baker and a graphic designer meet via a very specific Craigslist post? Fate, friendship, food, and maybe more.  

Leather And Lace by Stevie Nicks, Don Henley 

Give to me your leatherTake from me my lace

Baby Heaven’s In Your Eyes : Or a sixth form!AU where Harry is the fucked up bad boy with too many problems, Louis is the perfect rich boy with too much money and their schools are right across from each other. They meet at a party and that’s the last (and maybe the only) thing they need. 

You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away by The Beatles 

And I hear them sayHey you’ve got to hide your love away

Butterfly Gun : Harry has never been much of a fighter, but—as always—where Louis Tomlinson is concerned, a lot of things stop being true.1940’s AU. Even after six years apart, they can’t forget their shared wartime childhood. 

Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron & Wine

Stole me a dog eared mapAnd called for you everywhere

Have I found you?Flightless bird, jealous, weepingOr lost you?

Finding Lou : Louis is the nomadic stranger who wanders into Harry’s bookstore. Harry is the skeptic who falls for him. 

See You Again by Elle King 

You were standing thereFire in your eyesAs you held me inSaid, “Sorry, I didn’t write”

The Melody You Never Heard : The one where Harry gets roped into a four-day camping trip with the boy who kissed him and never called back. 

I Wanna Be Yours by Arctic Monkeys 

Secrets I have held in my heartAre harder to hide than I thoughtMaybe I just wanna be yours

Like an Endless Summer : Louis is a riding instructor at a summer camp, and Harry is a fellow counselor who he’s been successfully managing his crush on for the last two summers. That is, until Harry shows up this year leveled up and lethal, and all Louis’s formerly perfected veneer of nonchalance melts like a popsicle in the sun. 

Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley 

Wise men say only fools rush inBut I can’t help falling in love with you

The Afterlife Fic : After dying in an accident, Louis Tomlinson arrives in the Afterlife. Not Heaven and not Hell, Louis finds himself in Judgment City UK: a pristine city where the food and entertainment are divine and the newly departed must undergo a Review of their life on Earth to determine if they have lived a life worthy of advancement in the universe, or if they must be returned to Earth to be born again in a new body.On his first full day in the Afterlife, Louis meets Harry Styles, and the two have an instant connection. Over the course of their Reviews, they fall in love and begin to find that even though they didn’t know each other on Earth, they are nonetheless linked to one another in perfect ways. Both are hoping to move ahead in the universe together, but they are challenged with the threat of separation if one or both of them is sent back to Earth to be born again.

Work Song by Hozier

Boys workin’ on emptyIs that the kind'a way to face the burning heat?I just think about my babyI’m so full of love I could barely eat

Been Together Since Way Back When : Louis Tomlinson is a law student with a simple but effective four step plan: 1. Finish law school. 2. Get hired somewhere awesome. 3. Marry his best friend and boyfriend of two years, Harry. 4. Live happily ever after. Harry Styles doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life, where he wants to go, who he wants to be, or if he even wants the college degree he’s almost completed.  All he does know is who he’ll be with forever, as long as Louis wants to keep him around. Or: the painfully realistic college au where everyone’s poor, lovesick, tired of school, terrified of the future, and still having the greatest times of their lives. 

Lay Me Down by Sam Smith

Yes I do, I believeThat one day I will be, where I wasRight there, right next to you

Emperor’s New Clothes : Harry’s a pop star and Louis isn’t, and there’s a non-disclosure agreement where there used to be a relationship. 

Like A Prayer by Madonna 

When you call my nameIt’s like a little prayerI’m down on my kneesI want to take you thereIn the midnight hourI can feel your powerJust like a prayerYou know I’ll take you there

Shake Me Down : Harry’s new to college, fresh out of Catholic school and conversion therapy camp, and Louis runs the campus LGBTQIA organization. 

You Make Loving Fun by Fleetwood Mac

I never did believe in miraclesBut I’ve a feeling it’s time to try

This Wicked Game : An AU in which The Bachelor is gay, Louis is a contestant, Harry is the bachelor, everyone drinks a lot of champagne, the entire world gets to watch them fall in love, and no one plays by the rules.

English Rose by Ed Sheeran 

I spend my daysJust travelling and playing showsBut my heart still beats For my home and my English rose

Never Be : The one where Harry Styles moves to Connecticut from England for nine months as a part of a study abroad program, and he just so happens to move in with Louis Tomlinson and family. 

Gone, Gone, Gone by Phillip Phillips 

Baby I’m not moving onI love you long after you’re gone

Through Eerie Chaos : For as long as anyone can remember, Old Hillsbridge Manor has always been believed to be haunted. Everyone in the village agrees and keeps a respectful, fearful, distance. New in town after a bad breakup and an internship that led to disappointment rather than a permanent job, Harry Styles figures taking pictures of the decrepit building could be a great new creative project. Or at least a much-needed distraction while he searches for a job and crashes at his parents’ new house. No one warned him about the apparitions though; about the music, the laughter, the people who flicker and vanish when you call after them, the echoes of a past that should be long gone… Harry has never believed in spirits but even he can admit that there’s something weird going on. What starts as mere curiosity evolves into a full-blown investigation and soon enough, Harry finds himself making friends with an aristocrat from the 1920s and struggling with finding the best way to tell him that he’s dead. 

Sweetest Devotion by Adele 

The way I’m running with you honeyMeans we can break every lawI find it funny that you’re the onlyOne I never looked for

The King of Spades : Undercover Metropolitan Police officer DC Louis Tomlinson has worked his way up the ranks of a prominent London crime family without raising suspicion, but when he finds himself pitted against a rising crime boss with a police background and a favoured employee by the name of Harry Styles, everything starts to unravel. Finding himself in the middle of an escalating war between two bosses whose bad blood runs deep into a violent past, Louis has to be even more careful where he steps in case his big secret catches up to him – and if it does, he knows he won’t survive it.Not to mention he’s falling for someone he can’t have – whose earnestness and honesty is a bright spot in a dark world – he can’t sleep because his nightmares haunt him and he’s in way over his head, but it’s just a game, always just a game, and if Louis plays his cards right he might just make it out alive. 

Dear Prudence by The Beatles 

The wind is low the birds will singThat you are part of everythingDear Prudence won’t you open up your eyes?

Young & Beautiful : Louis, to his horror, attends an elitist university in which the name Zayn Malik means something, Niall Horan doesn’t stop talking, there are pianos everywhere, and Harry Styles, only son of a drug-addled, clinically insane ex-rocker, has a perfect smile and empty eyes. 

Tiny Dancer by Elton John 

But oh how it feels so realLying here with no one near

Never Gonna Dance Again : Louis is a spy and Harry is a dancer. The only real thing they know is each other.

Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart by Ariana Grande 

I know I’m not your onlyBut I’ll still be a fool‘Cause I’m a fool for you

Red Brick Heart : Uni AU. Harry had turned up at the halls of residence expecting fun, new friends, and maybe a life experience or two. What he doesn’t expect is a surprise roommate who’s loud and dramatic and obsessed with tea and is maybe, actually, all he’s ever wanted.

Secret Love Song, Pt. II by Little Mix

We keep behind closed doorsEvery time I see you, I die a little more

Don’t Look Down : AU. In which Louis is a solicitor at one of London’s most prestigious law firms and Harry happens to apply for the position as his trainee. And everyone else is around, too. 

Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want by The Smiths

Good time for a changeSee, the luck I’ve hadCan make a good manTurn bad

Hush : Au where small towns suck, Louis is losing it, and Harry’s just too perfect. 

Rubik’s Cube by Athlete

The world is too heavyToo big for my shouldersCome take this weight off me now

Where Your Heart Is: Louis is ready for his brand new adventure. So what if he suffers from a genetic condition that prevents him from being touched? College is going to be awesome. It has to. Karma kind of owes him right now. Forget about his overprotective mother, or Liam– his entirely too chipper step brother– or his mess of a roommate. Forget about the gloves he has to wear at all times. He’s here to expand his knowledge, write and drown himself in books – No matter how distracting ‘Hallway Boy’ may be– The obnoxious, flirty frat wannabe determined to become the bane of Louis’ existence.

Running Back To You by For The Foxes

Hey, old lover, when you fall asleepThere’s a piece of you in every song I singWhere your childhood runs wild and freeWithout me 

Empty Skies : For three years, Harry has been running from his past. Now, he is moving to London and pledges to fulfil his only dream – making it big in the music industry. Not everyone has a place, though, and the competition is tough. As is his past catching up on him.Louis is part of the biggest boy band of the world, and getting there had meant a lot of hard work, as well as sacrificing parts of his heart and soul. He’s still happy. Maybe not as happy as he could be, but who is he to complain? 

Miss You by The Rolling Stones

I’ve been holding out so longI’ve been sleeping all alone

Here In The Afterglow : 1970’s AU. In a tiny town in Idaho, Louis’ life is changed forever by the arrival of a curious stranger. 

I’ve Just Seen A Face by Jim Sturgess 

I’ve just seen a face,I can’t forget the time or placeWhere we just met

Nameless Night : For their 18th birthday, every person receives a letter that reads a simple date. That is the date you’ll meet your soulmate. Harry and Louis have different beliefs, live in different worlds and have different dreams, hopes and fears. Yet, they’re not so different from each other when it comes to love. When their paths cross, there is no doubt they belong together. Except for that one, essential difference: they didn’t receive the same date.

I Melt With You by Modern English 

I’ll stop the world and melt with you You’ve seen the difference and it’s getting better all the time There’s nothing you and I won’t do

Outwit, Outplay, Outlast : A Survivor All-Stars AU in which Harry and Louis are just in this game to win the million dollars, but they end up with something better.  

Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap

So stay there'Cause I’ll be coming overAnd while our blood’s still youngIt’s so young, it runsAnd won’t stop 'til it’s overWon’t stop to surrender

Soft Hands, Fast Feet, Can’t Lose : American Uni AU. Harry Styles is a frat boy football star from the wealthy Styles Family athletic dynasty. A celebrity among football fans, he knows how to play, he knows how to party, and he knows how to fuck (all of which is well known among his legion of admirers).Louis Tomlinson is a student and an athlete, but his similarities to Harry end there. Intelligent, focused, independent, and completely uninterested in Harry’s charms, Louis is an anomaly in a world ruled by football. A bet about the pair, who might be more similar than they originally thought, brings them together. Shakespeare, ballet, Disney, football, library chats, running, accidental spooning, Daredevil and Domino’s Pizza all blend into one big friendship Frappucino, but who will win in the end? 

Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode

Someone to hear your prayersSomeone who caresYour own personal Jesus

Escapade : In the grand scheme of things, finding a date for a wedding should be no problem for Louis Tomlinson. He’s rich. He’s handsome. He’s reasonably well behaved. But when the wedding is for his lifelong best friend (and former boyfriend), and is happening in under a month, finding a date for the ceremony and accompanying festivities becomes more of an adventure than he ever could have planned for. 

Take On Me by A-ha 

Take me on, (take on me)I’ll be goneIn a day or two

Wild and Unruly: Harry is a cowboy sitting on the biggest oil reservoir in Wyoming, and Louis is the paralegal assigned to pressure him into selling his land.

Bloodstream by Transviolet 

Outlaw love, make you lose control

Wanted Most : Louis Tomlinson is a thief, and a damn good one at that. Most have heard of him. Most don’t understand him. And Harry Styles is the FBI agent who can never seem to catch him. 

Boys by Charli XCX

Head is spinning thinking 'bout boys

Wings to Break Your Fall : Strip club AU. Harry’s work and family are keeping him busy. He really isn’t looking for a relationship, doesn’t want one. He just wants Louis. Problem is, Louis has other plans. 

Closer by Tegan and Sara

Here comes the breath before we get a little bit closerHere comes the rush before we touch, come a little closer

The Night Sky is Changing Overhead : Harry is a tattoo artist, Louis is a drama professor, and they meet during an argument at a café.

Electric Love by BORNS

Baby you’re like lightning in a bottleI can’t let you go now that I got it

Pillow Talk : When Harry starts having confusing feelings for a male classmate, his sister’s best friend, Louis, helps him figure himself out. Cue lots of kissing, sex, and falling in love. 

Safe And Sound by Capital Cities 

I could show you loveIn a tidal wave of mysteryYou’ll still be standing next to me

Adore You : Against his wishes, Harry spends the holidays at his family’s summer estate, and is reluctantly pulled into a courtship he didn’t ask for. Harry doesn’t want to get married, but Louis does. They don’t fit, but then again they really, really do. Vaguely set in the 1920’s. Headpieces, jazz, fashionable canes, and flapper dresses, and that. 

Fashion by The Royal Concept 

'Cause I love the way you wear on meAnd your fashion is so wild and freeHoney, lovin’ you ain’t easy,But I’m not gonna leave you, no, noSo, baby, put your dope-ass crazy fashion on me

A Million Roses (Bathed In Rock N Roll) : Harry sings in smoky dive bars; Louis misses his flight home. they go to coney island in the morning. 

What I Like About You by The Romantics

What I like about you, you really know how to danceWhen you go up, down, jump around, think about true romance, yea

Hold Me Closer : Louis Tomlinson is one of the most promising dancers of the English National Ballet, on track to become the youngest principal dancer in the company’s history. That is, until forces conspire to significantly complicate his life, including: a surprise ballet, an unfairly attractive guest choreographer, and being pushed into a rivalry with his best mate. Featuring lots of wine, dancing, pining, and a happy ending.

Feel Like Makin Love by Bad Company

And if I had the sun and moonAnd they were shinin’I would give you both night and dayLove satisfying

Loving You Is Free : Louis is a workaholic record label CEO who hasn’t been on a date in nearly a year. Niall and Liam make an account for him on a sugar dating website as a joke. And then Louis meets Harry. 

Flowers In The Window by Travis 

When I first held you I was coldA melting snowman I was toldBut there was no-one there to hold beforeI swore that I would be alone for ever more

Into The Blue : AU. In which Louis is Harry’s scuba instructor and quite happy to provide the requested special treatment, pun fully intended. It can’t be all that difficult to convince Harry that they’re on the same page, right? Also, Niall and Liam may or may not be dating, and Zayn is surrounded by emotionally stunted idiots. He bears it with dignity. 

Yellow by Coldplay

Look at the starsLook how they shine for youAnd everything you doYeah they were all yellow

Strawberry Milk Series : An au where Harry paints his nails and drinks strawberry milk and is too nervous for it to be nothing and Louis’ just trying to figure out whats wrong with him 

I’d Rather Be With You by Joshua Radin 

Finally see you were naturallyThe one to make it so easy when you show me the truthYeah, yeah I’d rather be with youSay you want the same thing too

Speaking of Marvels : AU. Louis is a nanny in suburban New Jersey, and the neighbors’ son is home from college for the summer. It was supposed to be a fling. 

Friends by Ed Sheeran 

And if you know me like I know youYou should love me, you should know

You Are The Blood : A seventh-year Hogwarts AU in which Niall gets all the girls, Liam goes on a journey of self-discovery, Zayn falls in love, Harry wants something more, and Louis tries to figure out once and for all why he, a Muggleborn, was sorted into Slytherin. 

Fallingforyou by The 1975

According to your heartMy place is not deliberateFeeling of your armsI don’t want to be your friend, I want to kiss your neck

Unbelievers : It’s Louis’ senior year, and he’s dead set on doing it right. However, along with his pair of cleats, a healthy dose of sarcasm and his ridiculous best friend, he’s also got a complicated family, a terrifyingly uncertain future, and a mortal enemy making his life just that much worse. Mortal enemies “with benefits” was not exactly the plan. Or: The one where Louis and Harry definitely aren’t friends, and football is everything. 

Stand By Me by Florence + The Machine

No I won’t be afraidJust as long as you stand, stand by me

Give Me Truths : Louis is a psychology student with a tattoo count as high as his genius IQ. Harry is in a (sort-of) relationship with a homophobic man and hates himself a little more every day. Things fall apart and Louis puts him back together.Or, the one in which Louis falls in love with a fragile boy and tells him every beautiful truth in the world, as long as it makes him happy. 

Love On Top by Beyonce

Now everybody ask me why I’m smiling out from ear to earBut I know Nothing’s perfect but it’s worth it

Bloodline : Louis doesn’t know how to feel when his best friend, Liam, finds out about a brother that he never knew, who was placed for adoption before he was born and is bursting into his life at twenty-four years old. Louis is very wary of the man who might replace him. He has always thought of Liam as his own brother. What if Liam doesn’t need him anymore? What if there’s no room for Louis? After all, blood runs thicker than water. Louis doesn’t like Liam’s new brother and he doesn’t even know him. That’s irrelevant, though. He doesn’t like him. He doesn’t trust him. He doesn’t want him hanging around. He doesn’t want anything to do with him.That is, until he meets him. 

Perfect by Ed Sheeran

I found a love to carry more than just my secrets 

Dance to the Distortion : Louis accidentally breaks Harry’s camera lens and in order to get it fixed, they decide to participate in a romantic couples study. The only issue is that they are not actually couple. Well that and the fact they cannot stand each other. 

Look After You by The Fray

When I’m losing my control, the city spins aroundYou’re the only one who knows, you slow it down

Gods & Monsters : The instructions were simple: seduce and destroy Harry Styles. Not once did they discuss the option of Louis actually falling in love. So, naturally, that’s exactly what he did.

Flowers In Your Hair by The Lumineers

And romanticized the time I sawFlowers in your hair

Your Name Is Tattooed On My Heart : Louis is ready to find the love of his life, but first he has to stop falling for the punk rocker next door.

So Easy

Like a rainbow in a rainstorm makes the flowers growYou’re the reason, I believe in, something I don’t know

When We Were Younger : Sixteen year old Harry Styles’ world turns upside down when he logs on to gay teen chat to discover somebody has stolen his photos and used them as their own.

Ho Hey

I belong with you, you belong with me, you’re my sweetheart

California Sold : Notoriously closeted boyband member Harry Styles is famous on a global scale, meanwhile Louis, as his best friend, is back home in Manchester, living the typical life of a 24 year old. When Harry needs Louis with him in LA, a publicity stunt gone wrong changes their friendship forever. A fake-relationship AU between two lifelong best friends. 

Me And You by Jake Bugg

All of these people want us to failI won’t let that happen noJust you believe meI’ll hide you discreetlyDiscreetly from this cold world

Cupid’s Defense : In which Harry is Cupid, Louis and Liam own a law firm, and they’re all getting sued.

Fire And The Flood by Vance Joy

Since we met I feel a lightness in my stepYou’re miles away but I still feel youAnywhere I go there you are

Chasing Empty Spaces : The year is 1934 and Harry Styles was to inherent the largest tobacco firm in the south. His parents have picked out the “perfect” girl for him to marry and he has the privilege of receiving the highest education possible. The problem was, Harry hadn’t realized he didn’t actually want any part of that future until he met a mechanic named, Louis Tomlinson.

I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons

You forgave and I won’t forget

Feels Like Coming Home : The last thing Harry Styles expects when he’s hanging out at the Someday Cafe in Somerville one rainy October day is for his ex, Louis Tomlinson to walk through the door, but that’s exactly what happens. After a spectacularly ugly break-up three years prior, Harry hasn’t heard one word from Louis, and he’s moved on. Gotten over him. But having Louis back in his life, not to mention working at the restaurant where he’s a chef, isn’t easy, and the feelings that Harry thought he’d left turn out to be not so easily forgotten.  

[h-styles-babes]

No Control | Chapter Eight

Summary: 

Micky Bennett: college student, loyal friend, aspiring nurse, One Direction fan, Harry Styles enthusiast. Her best friend, Trevor, wins tickets to a show in New Jersey with meet and greet passes. Micky expects a quick photo op with the boys and a great night at the concert with her best friend. What she gets a whole lot more than she bargained for.

*Please feel free to reblog and send feedback. It’s much appreciated :)*

To read previous chapters, you can go here.

*Gif is not mine.*

EIGHT

Trevor comes back to the condo just after six, bearing the gift of Thai takeout. Not knowing what Harry likes, he just picked up two orders of curry and two orders of chicken pad thai for us all to share. Harry gets excited over the curry like a kid in a candy shop, claiming it’s his favourite, which is just as well. We sit around the dining table with the TV on in the background, Trevor telling us about his day.

“You didn’t sleep with him?” I ask in slight shock. Not that Trevor is a slag or anything, but he’s only ever had hookups with this Chris guy and has never shown interest in it being anything but sex.

“No. We went to Times Square and window shopped, which turned into me actually shopping. And we went to lunch and actually talked and had a good time. Then we went to Central Park and walked and talked more. I found out that he’s actually really funny and he’s a pretty good guy.” Trev seems a little surprised by the turn of events of his afternoon, too, which is pretty funny to watch.

“All the times you hooked up with this guy, and you never had a real conversation with him?” Harry asks, a little astounded. Like the notion of not at least knowing a little bit about your sexual partner is a foreign concept to him. Maybe it is. 

Trev shakes his head. “I met this guy at a frat party the second week of the school year. I thought he was straight, since he was hanging out with all his frat brothers, making lewd comments about girls there. Came onto me later that night by kissing me and pushing me into his room. It never went beyond booty calls for us. I just assumed he was closeted gay or bi.”

“You should know better than to assume, Trev,” I point out. People assume he’s straight all the time, which makes for awkward situations for the girls who try to come on to him. 

He rolls his eyes and clicks his chopsticks at me. “Yeah, yeah, I know, mother.”

“So are you gonna see him again, beyond a hookup?” Harry asks, mixing more of his curry with the white rice on his plate.

“We agreed to go out next weekend,” he admits, his cheeks tinging slightly pink. I smirk at him as he pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose to try to hide it. 

“Aw, Trevor has a crush!” I gush, genuinely excited. I’ve only ever seen Trevor actually interested in someone else once in our whole friendship, and the guy was very much straight. “Chris is really cute, too. Good job on that one.” I nod appreciatively at his selection. He has that typical frat boy look going, with the light brown hair, baby blue eyes, and snapbacks, but his broad shoulders, pretty smile, and constant scruff more than make up for it.

“Thank you, thank you.” He pretends to take a bow at the table.

Harry’s phone rings from his jeans pocket, interrupting our conversation. He sighs when he sees the name, but promptly answers it. He’s mostly quiet during the call, except for the occasional affirmation or hum. When he hangs up he sighs again.

“That was Paul. Lads wanna go out tonight.”

“And you don’t want to go with them?” I ask, slightly surprised. Harry seems like the type of guy that likes to take opportunities as they’re presented. A night out in NYC or even Jersey seems like something a twenty-one year old guy would jump at. Though, Harry isn’t a normal twenty-one year old guy.

“It’s not that. They’re all going out, so that means Paul needs to be there, which means I have to go.” He takes the last few bites of his food before moving to take it into the kitchen.

“Leave it, I’ve got it,” I assure, placing a hand on his arm to stop him. I’m sad that he’s got to go, considering how amazing the day has been. I’m also not sure that I’ll ever actually see him again, considering the two different worlds we come from. It’s bitter sweet, having had such an amazing day with this man who was little more than fantasy in my head for years. He’s so much more than I could ever had imagined, and I’m so hesitant to give that up. “C’mon, I’ll walk you out.”

Harry grabs onto my hand and presses a sweet kiss to my knuckles, lingering there for a few moments before letting me pull him up with me. 

“It was good meeting you, Trevor,” he says, flashing my friend a smile. “I hope your date with Chris goes well.”

Trevor grins and nods. “It was nice meeting you too, Styles. And thanks. I’ll Tweet at you  and let you know how it goes.” He winks at Harry, which makes me giggle.

Harry chuckles and nods. “I’m looking forward to it. On the edge of my seat.”

“Later, loser,” Trevor calls as I pull Harry out the door. Harry chuckles as he wraps his hands around my hips, pulling me to his chest. 

“I like him,” Harry nods decisively.

“Me, too. That’s why I’ve kept him around so long. Plus, he’s loaded. Who doesn’t want a rich best friend?” I say sarcastically.

Harry’s smile is wide before it softens as he looks over my face. “I’m gonna try to make it back out here tomorrow. We don’t leave for Ohio until the day after. You’ll be around?”

I nod. “I’ll be here,” I assure.

Harry reaches into his back pocket and hands me his phone. “Give me your number so I can get ahold of you.”

I bite my lip and put my number in his contacts list. When I look up to hand it back, Harry’s hand is out in front of me, palm up, one of his rings in the center. It’s black and silver in a braided pattern.

“Yes, Harry?” I ask.

“Just in case I don’t see you again while I’m in America. I want you to have something to remember me by.” He seems a little shy, a light pink tinge spreading across his cheeks. 

“Harry, I could never forget you. Besides the whole ‘A list celebrity’ thing, you’re a pretty unforgettable person.”

He bites his bottom lip as he grabs my left hand and slips the ring onto my thumb, the only one of my fingers that it’ll fit. It’s still warm from his skin.

“Still, I want you to have it.” I hear his phone ding in my hand, and we both look down to see there’s a new text from Paul, most likely urging Harry to get back to the car. Harry takes it from me and puts it back in his pocket. “I will try my best to be here tomorrow.”

He reaches up and cradles my head in his hands, his thumbs softly stroking the apples of my cheeks. I wrap my hands around his wrists just to feel his skin on mine. Harry leans in and very tenderly presses our lips together in a slow kiss. I can taste the spice of the curry on his lips, but there’s also his natural taste lingering underneath. It’s intoxicating in the best way possible, making my lips tingle and my heart rate to accelerate. 

When he pulls back, I feel his breath puff against my face. I open my eyes to him licking his lips.

“I have to go,” he whispers. He tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear.

I rub my lips together and nod. “I know. Have a good night with the others.” 

He smirks and shakes his head. “I’ll text you. I still have more to learn about you.”

True to his word, only half an hour after I watch him walk out of the building, my phone buzzes with a message from an unknown number.

Lads want to go clubbing. Don’t make me go!! Don’t pretend you’re not going to love it. Go get pissed and dance with pretty girls. But ur not with me. Ur the only pretty girl I wanna dance with. Ur full of it, Styles. Actually, I think u were full of it earlier ;) I was…I already miss u inside me :( Fuck, don’t do this right now. Don’t make me hard in public, pet. U started it! Well, now I’m ending it. No dirty talk tonight. But I thought daddy liked dirty talk. Micky… Yes, sir? Don’t make daddy have to tell you again. I’m sorry, daddy.

There’s a lull in the conversation like there hadn’t been before. I figure that he’s probably getting to a club and chatting with his bandmates, so I shrug and set my phone on the armrest beside me. Trevor and I are watching an episode of Jeopardy on the couch, so I pay a little more attention to the game. It’s the beginning of Final Jeopardy when I get a text back.

Ooh, ‘daddy’, eh? Never realized H was so kinky.

My heart seizes a little at the message, realizing one of his bandmates got ahold of his phone. I don’t know how much the other boys know about Harry’s sex life, but they just learned a whole lot more about it, now. From what little I know about them, I know this information isn’t going to be kept to just whoever is texting me from Harry’s phone.

Oh dear. Who is this? Niall. Who is this? The name Micky is familiar. Wait…ur the bird from m&g yesterday. Oh shit. H scored last night. Holy shit. H GOT LAID THERE’S A GOD JESUS Niall, give the phone back to H pls. He’s in the loo. And we’re not done here. How old are u? I remember you being fit. Lads teased H about it after you left. Um…i don’t think i should answer anything w/o H. But, thank you, i think? C’mon, love. H would tell us anyway. Us?? I thought i was talking to Niall. Tommo and Li are reading over me shoulder. You 3 are the worst. TELL US! -Tommo Please -Liam I’m 21. Nearly 22 Oh thank god. -Liam Did you fuck him? -Tommo Ignore Louis -Niall

The messages stop for a moment, and I’m left staring at my phone screen in a sort of horror. Trev’s too absorbed in the episode of Wheel of Fortune now playing on the telly to notice my dilemma. My phone buzzes again, and I expect more slightly inappropriate text from Harry’s bandmates, but it’s ringing an incoming call from Harry instead.

I answer and walk down the hall to my bedroom. 

“Harry?” I answer, wanting to make sure I’m talking to the owner of the phone instead of his probably drunk and nosey mates. 

“Hiiii,” he draws out. I can hear music in the background. “I’m sorry about them. They were pre-gaming before I even left yours.”

“I’m sorry they saw our messages,” I laugh. “Hope you don’t mind them knowing you have a daddy kink.”

He groans, and I can just imagine him pinching the bridge of his nose. “I mean, it probably would have come out eventually. I’m just gonna get mocked about it for a few weeks.”

I grimace. “I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault. Shouldn’t have left my phone on the table unattended.” I can hear other voices, yelling to be heard over the loud music, then Harry’s deep sigh. “And it’s begun. It’s only gonna get worse the more drunk they get. Especially Liam. Can’t handle his drink yet.”

“Maybe just get drunk so you won’t remember any of this in the morning,” I suggest jokingly.

“Be expecting some naughty texts around midnight, then. I’m a flirty drunk.”

“You’re always a flirt, Styles.”

“True. But now that I’ve had you, I can be more explicit. Have a good night, princess.”

“Goodnight, daddy.”

I fall asleep by eleven that night, despite my nap, having not had a whole lot of sleep the night before and a long day. I vaguely hear my phone buzzing on my bedside table at some point long after I’ve fallen asleep, but I’m too tired to check it. I have a pretty good feeling it’s Harry, but the messages will still be there in the morning.

I never get a chance to read them, however, because I’m woken by the buzzing of the intercom, someone requesting to be let up into the building. I check the clock with bleary eyes and see that it’s only nine in the morning. My first thought is maybe that Trevor forgot a key, or his mum is back from her trip and forgot a key. So, I quickly throw on the first shirt my fingers touch on my floor and trudge into the living area. The buzzer is still going incessantly when I reach it. I press the button to speak into the intercom.

“Trevor, I swear to God, if you forgot your key again, I’m just gonna leave your ass out there. This is the third time this month. And it’s only the tenth.”

“Not Trevor,” the voice comes back, crackly over the shoddy speaker. “But I come bearing breakfast and coffee and a day planned of sightseeing, so if you could be so kind to let me in anyway.”

“Harry?” I question. Last I had heard from him, he wasn’t sure if he was gonna be able to come into NYC today.

“Yeah, love. Let me up, I’m attracting a crowd. It’s like an episode of The Walking Dead out here.” There’s an urgency in his voice that I’ve only heard just now, so I quickly buzz him in, hoping he gets in without letting a crazy fan into the building. I unlock the door to the condo and wait for the knock on the door. I open in quickly to Harry, a drink carrier in one hand and a bag of delicious smelling food in the other.

“Jesus, Harry. You could’ve called or something,” I tell him, pulling him inside. He sets the food down on the counter and turns to pull me into a hug.

“I did, love. And sent texts.”

I look up at him and grimace. “I haven’t checked my phone. And I sleep like the dead.”

He chuckles, “I’ve realized. It’s alright, just telling you I wiggled my way into coming here today. There were conditions, though.” This time he grimaces.

I raise an eyebrow. “What conditions?”

There’s another knock at my door just as soon as the words are out of my mouth. Harry gives me a smile that says, ‘Please still love me after this.’ I glare at him suspiciously as I turn to open the door again.

“Ah, the famous Micky,” an Irish voice greets. And the voice definitely doesn’t belong to Paul. 

Liam, Niall and Louis stand in the doorway, each with different smiles adorning their faces. Liam’s is a genuine smile, though he looks a little worse for wear. Probably drank too much the night before. Louis is giving me that cheeky closed mouth grin that alerts me that he has something to say, but he’s trying his best to keep it in. And Niall looks absolutely giddy, eyeing me up and down in appraisal.

“Security said we had to all go out today. Publicity something or other,” Harry supplies as an explanation for why the entirety of One Direction is now entering the condo.

“Hello, boys,” I greet as I close the door. The four of them in here makes the space look uncannily small, like even this extravagant condo in Upper Manhattan pales in comparison to these four men.

“Morning, Micky,” Niall greets enthusiastically. 

Liam mumbles a good morning with a small smile, squinting. He’s very obviously hungover, though he’s trying his best. Louis grins and wraps an arm around my shoulder in a greeting hug. 

“I brought coffee and food as a peace offering,” Harry admits, wrapping an arm around my waist. He seems to look down at me for the first time and grins. “You look good in my clothes.”

I look down at myself and realize I’m wearing the shirt he gave me yesterday in order to leave the hotel. I blush. “I wasn’t wearing a shirt when you rang. Had to throw something on real quick.”

“Who’s the third coffee for, H?” Louis asks, taking a seat at one of the barstools lined up at the counter. “Thought we were just grabbing Micky.”

“That would be for me,” Trevor says, coming down the hallway from his bedroom, only in a pair of trackies and his glasses, his hair a little bit of a mess from sleeping. He nods at Harry in greeting before picking a coffee cup out of the drink carrier. “Thanks, man.”

“Figured she’d be more forgiving if I buttered you up, too,” Harry admits.

“Good move,” Trev nods. He takes a sip of the coffee and sighs. “So damn good.” He finally looks at me. “Might want to put some pants on, girl. You’ve got four attractive men looking at your pretty legs. And your ass hangs out of the bottom.”

“I’m wearing pants!” I object, appalled he thinks I’d come out of my bedroom without them on.  

He rolls his eyes. “I meant shorts or something. Jesus. Either way, they’re all still staring at you.”

“I’m in a committed relationship, mate,” Liam interjects. “I don’t look at other women like that.”

Trevor snorts unattractively. “Yeah, and I’m totally not gay. You’re full of shit, Payne.”

Niall cackles at Trevor’s casual call out of his friend and lightly punches Liam in the arm. Liam scowls at the Irishman and rubs at his arm, looking like a put out child.

I roll my eyes and extricate myself from Harry’s grasp. “You five behave. I’ll be back in a mo’.” 

“It’s a bit warm outside,” Harry calls. “And we’ll be doing some walking.” I throw him a thumbs up over my shoulder, thankful for the heads up about what to wear. I pretty much already have an outfit picked out in my mind, but the shoe choice now has to change. 

When I get to my room, I take off my t-shirt and go to my closet to pick out the appropriate items. I find the green crop top I had in mind and head to my dresser to find the black skirt with a thing white plaid pattern. I contemplate whether I should wear a bra, but figure the hot weather and the tight material of the shirt is reason enough not to wear one. I find a pair of no-show socks to wear with the maroon Converse I plan to put on later. 

I quickly change into my clothes and go to the bathroom to run some product through my hair to tame it a bit. If it’s warm, that means it’s most likely humid, and my hair doesn’t take too kindly to the moisture. I do what I can with it and then add a minimal amount of makeup just so I don’t look like a troll while out with the boys today. I can only imagine there may be some photos taken by some fans, and god forbid I be caught in one by accident looking like I just rolled out of bed. I don’t plan on being in any of them, but people can be sneaky. 

“All set, love?” Harry asks as I reemerge. I nod and smile as I sit on a side table to slip my shoes on. The coffee he brought is really calling my name, but I go for the food first, knowing I can take the coffee with me while we walk. 

“What are you all doing today?” Trev asks, still just standing, eating his breakfast sandwich and coffee in nothing but his trousers. 

Harry is sipping on his coffee, so Louis answers. “Bit o’ sightseeing. Hoping we can get away with goin’ some bigger places. People think we’re already on the road, so no one will be looking out for us.”

“Wanna go to the MoMA,” Harry says, passing me a sandwich. I thank him with a smile.

“You’re in New York, and yeh wanna go to a damn museum?” Niall asks with a crinkle of his nose in distaste.

“I’ll go with you, Harry,” I offer. “Lads can go do something else while we go there. Probably better if you split up for a bit, anyway.”

The boys nod and Harry looks at me, his fingers pulling at his bottom lip in a sign of contemplation.

“There’s a chance there’ll be paps today,” he warns slowly, his brow furrowed. “If you don’t wanna come, you don’t have to. I don’t want you to get overwhelmed.”

I reach over and put my hand over his with a smile. “I’m okay, Harry. I’ve got thick skin. We’re only friends hanging out while you’re in NYC.”

Trevor clears his throat and I see Louis’s eyebrows raise quickly on his forehead before settling back down, that same smirk I saw during the meet and greet taking up residence on his face again. I don’t know what garnered that reaction, but I ignore it. 

Harry’s eyebrows furrow further in what I perceive as worry, but then he nods. “Right. Still, just let me know if you need to tap out and come back here.”

I smile. “I will. Now come on. There’s a lot to see in New York.”

NINE

[twopoppies]

Do you’ve any fic recs for awkward sex or fluffs?

Oh boy. I don’t know if I have a lot for you. I don’t tend to read fluff unless it’s got smut or angst mixed in, so what I have may be old news to you. And I wish I knew more awkward sex fics because I’d love to read them! But here’s what I’ve got fo r you!

Awkward Sex

Instant Pleasure by @100percentsassy

This fic has everything! College Roommates! Mario Kart! Julie Andrews! Demonstrative Pronouns! Flamboyant Dom Louis! Premature Ejaculation! Niall!

Change My Needs by @zarah5 (I suppose this could go under fluff as well)

AU. A one-night stand gone wrong. Or: it’s just Louis’ luck that the boy he wanted to take home needs stitches after a club brawl. Honestly, a precautionary trip to the emergency room isn’t Louis’ idea of a fun time - but a hospital waiting room is a good place to fall in love.

precious little thing by mercutionotromeo (this isn’t really awkward sex, but Harry is pretty awkward in the beginning and I love the fic so…)

Reason #10 - Curiosity

Niall grins deviously and hits “make call”, putting his phone on speaker. They lean in close to peer down at the screen, heads knocking lightly together. Dull rings reverberate quietly around the room and mix with the monotonous buzz of the lights. It rings for a while - maybe six or seven times - then the other line picks up.

There’s a slow, steady inhale, and a low voice purrs, “Hi, sexy.”

Jesus - this guy has barely said two words, and both of them have made Harry’s cock twitch in his jeans. That’s not even getting to what those words are, and why he’s saying them, and how Harry’s stomach is dropping into his shoes at the mere thought of him saying… other words. Words like “cock”, and “please”, and “come”.

Also known as: a university AU featuring phone sex operator Louis, copious amounts of sweet, soft kink discovery, and Louis being Harry’s Daddy.

give you my fever by beautlouis / @thelovejandles

And he’s wanted it even more since he met Louis, it’s driven him insane, he spends 90% of his life turned on because of Louis and he’s had no relief at all. He’ll wake up at night too hot and itchy, with Louis warm and sweet smelling next to him, and unable to do anything but wank unsuccessfully, with no release.“I can try,” Louis says, close enough that Harry’s eyes cross a little trying to look at him. “I want to, I’ve never been with anybody, like, I’ve snogged people, lots of people, but I’ve never—touched anyone.” He clears his throat. “I’d touch you, Hazza.”

Harry’s breathing picks up. “Yes.” He doesn’t think there was a question but he’s a little overwhelmed. “Yes,” he repeats, dizzy.

*x-factor era. harry’s never had an orgasm before, louis gives him his first

Fluff

Time will tell, I suppose, or at least, these pages will by lets_get_messi

Harry has a diary and he’s been writing about the pen-pal he’s never met in there since he’s been 12 years old. One day he reads his diary out to a room full of strangers and finds that the man with the blue-eyes at the back of the room is a slight distraction.(Or Harry goes to a public diary reading thing at his local coffee shop and gets more than he bargained for)

Strange How The Half Light  by @aheavenlyrush

It’s been two weeks now. Two weeks of tossing and turning in his bed, waking up sticky with sweat, head pounding.

“Your moon is so different from mine, did you know?” the boy, Harry, murmurs, and Louis flushes red, glad the dark of the night hides the blush on his cheeks. Thinking about sweaty nights thrashing around in his bed isn’t the best idea right now. Not here, next to this boy. Some mornings, Louis could swear he wakes up with Harry’s scent on his pillow.

In the light of the moon, Harry tells stories about the places beyond the stars, and Louis wonders about the curve of his lips.

as we move slowly by snsk

“You know what color your wings are?” Harry asked conversationally, on his stomach at the tattoo parlor, while Louis played absentmindedly with one dangling hand and flipped through some designs.

// Alternatively: Louis grows wings. Harry is the only one who can see them.

Dreaming of You by VelvetOscar / @mizzwilde

The Begrudging Starbucks AU.

The world is winter and steamed milk and creamy espresso shots. The world is a never ending queue. The world is a Starbucks logo and a pink-cheeked smile from Niall and a bored scowl from Zayn and the world is Louis watching his best mate, Liam, fall in love with their newest customer, Harry. Who may or may not be in love with Louis. The world is cruel.

If you want some smut with your fluffy fics, come back and LMK. I probably have more for you! Hope there are some here you like!

[maggieisalarrie]

Length: Under 15k

*UNDER CONSTRUCTION (3/10/18)*

By Length:

Summaries for the fics listed here are included below in the By Name section of this post. 

3k

Happy Birthday by sleepingalone

I Don’t Want You To Leave, Will You Hold My Hand by roughvoiced

It all comes out in the wash by Conscious_ramblings

make me feel like i am breathing by crybaby 

Rippling of Electricity by sleepingalone 

4k

Dust Off Your Highest Hopes by marie24 

like an animal (i wanna feel you from the inside) by bottomlinsons (grimgrace) 

5k

anything plain can be lovely by el_em_en_oh_pee 

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by hilourry

Huggin’, Kissin’, Holdin’ Each Other Tight. by kotabear24

it starts and it never fades away by scagnetism

No Chance At All by lululawrence 

rest your heavy heart by orphan_account 

So Kiss Me by embro 

take your time rolling up your sleeves by aniloquent 

the beast you made of me by Ashtarok 

6k

All We Have by colourexplosion 

Around the World by orphan_account 

One Day, Maybe Next Week by kikikryslee 

Patience by Star55 

Power Inside by whoknows 

7k

A New Buzz by stylesoftheshire 

a virgin to that money by eversincewefellapart 

Ain’t My Fault by afirethatcannotdie 

His. by SS98

pick my petals off (make my heart explode) by orphan_account 

Your Silhouette Over Me by Lis (domesticharry) 

8k

Always Be My Baby by itsmiz  

Baby Honey by nikogda 

baby, you and i are undeniable by graceana 

Draw by dolce_picante 

I roll and I roll, ‘til I change my luck by lightofathousandstars

like how your hands feel me up and down by ballsdeepinjesus 

make the wait worth your while by karamelised

put you on repeat, play you everywhere i go by eversincewefellapart

Sun-kissed Hurricane, Perfect Storm by iwillpaintasongforlou 

take me for what i am (who i was meant to be) by howlouvely 

Two Sugars, No Cream by loveyoulou (orphan_account) 

9k

Go Out for Adventure, Come Home for Love by myownspark 

love with every stranger, the stranger the better by leighbot

oh baby baby, the reason i breathe is you by ballsdeepinjesus 

Spin Me Like A Record by zarah5 

Unbelievable sights, indescribable feelings by serenityandtea 

we can meet again somewhere by LSFOREVER 

10k

Can’t Keep This Beating Heart At Bay by myownspark 

everything i can arrange, every part of me you change by tomorrows 

Give Me One Excuse by green_feelings

glitter and helium by starseas

our love is bitter (but I really like the taste) by brightbluelou 

put your faith in my stomach by hilourry

spice up your life by bottomlinsons (grimgrace) 

trusting things beyond mistake by sarcasticfluentry 

We Will Find Our Way by supernope 

yes, you make my life worthwhile by tomorrows 

11k

A Long Way From The Playground by nightwideopen 

A Run At The Past by hostagesfic 

All I Want Is To Be Free by lululawrence 

Court-Ordered by kikikryslee 

Ever Since by letsjustsee 

Far Afield by QuickedWeen 

give you my fever by beautlouis 

infinitely all for me by swallowsmateforlife 

It’s Hard to Say It, Time to Say It by kikikryslee 

Reckless Serenade by boyfrombradford 

Stuck In The Middle With You by green_feelings 

Sweeter Than Strings by polkadotpeacoat 

Tell Me What You Want by stylinsoncity 

The Art of the Giants by asphodelknox 

through the wire by Awriterwrites 

12k

(I Will Run Into) The Hurricane by cherrystreet

One Shines Brighter by afirethatcannotdie 

13k

call me home and i will build a throne by queenmcgonagall 

If You Build Yourself a Myth by pukeandcry 

Like to Keep You Laughing by kikikryslee

Little White Lies by xxSterre

take my hand (and lead me home) by tumsa 

You Knocked Me Off The Ground From The Start by sinkingtothebottomofthesea 

14k

Candle to Keep Out the Night by standintherain16 

Fall with Style by crimsontheory 

Hold On To The Words You Spoke (Anchored Down In The Throat) by justletmegohome

Just a Fine and Fancy Ramble by throughthedark 

Sound Like a Song by allwaswell16 

You See The Sky I Can’t See by LiveLaughLoveLarry 

By Name: 

A Long Way From The Playground by nightwideopen (11k)

Louis is a single dad who is having a lonely life crisis and Harry is a doctor that carries around princess band-aids in his pocket.

Scraped knees make grown men bond, apparently.

A New Buzz by stylesoftheshire (7k)

‘No way,’ Louis says, shaking his head disbelievingly. ‘Only you would come out to your best friend by making him buy you a fucking dildo.’

The classic tale of how Louis helps Harry purchase a vibrator and later helps him use it.

A Run At The Past by hostagesfic (11k)

Harry doesn’t expect it to happen while Gemma’s in Australia. He’s not lonely, this time, with plenty to do and the adrenaline of the end of tour, the excitement of going back to Japan. And Gemma, of course, her jokes at his expense and her flirting with Niall and her hugs for every occasion, the way she looks like mum when she scolds him half-heartedly. There’s no reason it should happen.

He wakes up in Louis’ bed anyway.

a virgin to that money by eversincewefellapart (7k) 

AU. Harry and Louis are broke university students who hate each other and make a sex tape. (In which Louis gets fucked a lot, Harry can't find the camera, and the road to falling in love is different for everyone.)

Ain’t My Fault by afirethatcannotdie (7k) 

Liam, M4M is for sex! You posted in a sex forum about your missing jacket.”

“It is not for sex!”

“It is. Trust me.”

“Well, if it helps me find my jacket then I don’t really see why it matters. Besides, someone already texted me about it. This Styles guy’s coming over in a bit to get it.”

“You invited the avocado man to come get his jacket at our flat after posting on a sex forum. Do you see where this is going?”

“I really don’t.”

“Someone is going to have to have sex with the avocado man!” Louis screeches, and Liam covers his ears.

AU. Liam posts an ad on the wrong section of Craigslist, Louis is pretty sure they’re gonna get murdered as a result, and Harry’s missing an avocado.

All I Want Is To Be Free by lululawrence (11k) 

“Uh, you saw photos? Of me wearing the shirt?”

The guy nodded eagerly while he pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Yeah! I took a picture of the photo I saw so I could remember to look it up. Hold on.”

The guy scrolled through his phone and made a happy sound when he found it. “Here!”

Louis grabbed his phone to look at the picture. Yep. That confirmed it. He was going crazy.

The photo he was looking at was definitely one of him wearing his beloved shirt, but there was a taller man standing beside him, looking at him and laughing as Louis had his hand resting possessively on the guy’s hip. Louis had absolutely no recollection of this ever happening.

Or the one where Louis keeps finding photos around campus of him with a man he’s never met before, and the only logical explanation must be he’s going crazy.

All We Have by colourexplosion (6k) 

He looks at the person who’s asked him a question and then immediately wishes he hadn’t. He’s beautiful, is the thing, and Harry’s met him before.

“No, sorry,” he says, shaking his head, averting his eyes. It’s an old habit, one he’s gotten better about resisting, but he supposes seeing Louis Tomlinson out in the wild transports him right back to youth club.

“Ah, s’fine really,” Louis says, instead of just walking away like a normal person, “Pretty boy like you shouldn’t be smoking anyway, yeah?”

Harry’s cheeks flood with heat before he can stop it, and he squeezes his eyes shut. Of course. Of course Louis Tomlinson — the boy who basically made Harry realize he’s gay — thinks he’s cute now. Ten years after the fact, and much too late for it to do any good at all. Or, a 'Grown' au

Always Be My Baby by itsmiz (8k) 

Louis isn't looking forward to his birthday, and Harry makes him see that age truly is just a number.

Based on Louis' tweet: 22 is old :(

anything plain can be lovely by el_em_en_oh_pee (5k) 

Harry sees Louis - like, really sees Louis - again for the first time in his mid-thirties. (a grew-up-together AU)

Around the World by orphan_account (6k) 

“Could you–” Harry breaks off, gasping as Louis leans in to bite the sensitive skin just under Harry’s jaw, a favourite spot of Harry’s. “Could you, y’know, in French?”

“Could I what, H?” Louis asks, peppering kisses underneath Harry’s jaw and trailing them up to his lips.

“Dirty talk,” Harry says in an exhale.

Or, Louis dirty talks in French. Kind of.

Baby Honey by nikogda (8k) 

“Lou, did you see these little baby tea boxes I found yesterday?” He tossed one towards Louis and watched as it thumped Louis in the head. Louis groaned and reached for the little box, rolling it around in his hands, “If you’re about to make a joke about me. I strongly suggest you don’t.” Harry frowned and bounced his tea bag in the water watching the liquid darken, “M’ not! I just thought the babytea boxes were cute.” Louis’ eyes narrowed and he looked at the tiny boxes, and back at Harry. Harry watched, he could see the wheels turning inside of Louis’ mind. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. Louis looked at the box once more and back at Harry — or… After four years of Marriage, Harry discovers he is expecting. He could go home and hand the ultrasound photo to his amazing husband, Louis. Or… he could have some fun with this. Only Louis catching on to all the hints Harry is dropping.

Or is he?

baby, you and i are undeniable by graceana (8k)

call me home and i will build a throne by queenmcgonagall (13k)

Candle to Keep Out the Night by standintherain16 (14k)

Can’t Keep This Beating Heart At Bay by myownspark (10k)

Court-Ordered by kikikryslee (11k)

Draw by dolce_picante (8k)

Dust Off Your Highest Hopes by marie24 (4k)

Ever Since by letsjustsee (11k) 

everything i can arrange, every part of me you change by tomorrows (10k)

Fall with Style by crimsontheory (14k) 

Louis doesn’t get out too much due to his shyness. The only two friends he has he met online and they both live miles and miles away. Then along comes a cute bartender that completely flips Louis’ life upside down.

Far Afield by QuickedWeen (11k)

Harry Styles is a witch who owns the best flower shop in Manchester. Lottie Tomlinson is planning her wedding, and brings her brother along to her first appointment. Both men have been having a bad day and sparks fly.

Give Me One Excuse by green_feelings (10k)

give you my fever by beautlouis (11k)

glitter and helium by starseas (10k)

Go Out for Adventure, Come Home for Love by myownspark (9k) 

Four years of iconic moments that inspire tattoos and promises. Fic inspired by the song “Spaces” which includes the lyric “forgetting every single promise we ever made.” Five promises, plus one extra just for fun (because how can you hear Harry say he’s good at falling asleep in front of the fire and not write about it? Honestly).

Happy Birthday by sleepingalone (3k)

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by hilourry (5k)

His. by SS98 (7k)

Hold On To The Words You Spoke (Anchored Down In The Throat) by justletmegohome (14k)

Huggin’, Kissin’, Holdin’ Each Other Tight. by kotabear24 (5k)

I Don’t Want You To Leave, Will You Hold My Hand by roughvoiced (3k)

I roll and I roll, ‘til I change my luck by lightofathousandstars (8k)

(I Will Run Into) The Hurricane by cherrystreet (12k)

If You Build Yourself a Myth by pukeandcry (13k)

infinitely all for me by swallowsmateforlife (11k)

It all comes out in the wash by Conscious_ramblings (3k)

it starts and it never fades away by scagnetism (5k)

It’s Hard to Say It, Time to Say It by kikikryslee (11k) 

Harry sighed. “We have a lot of clothes in stock, sir-” “Please don’t call me ‘sir,’” the guy said. “I’m only twenty-six.” “OK, then. We have a lot of clothes in stock, dude, so finding something else in your size won’t be a problem if it means you’ll buy something. What are you? Like, an extra small?” The guy actually had the nerve to look offended. Harry resisted laughing. “Hey! I’ll have you know that I’m a medium!” “In what?” Harry asked, looking the guy over. “Children’s?” — Or, the one where Louis is an annoying customer who won’t leave Harry’s shop on time, and Harry is counting down the seconds until Louis leaves. Until a chance encounter at a concert, and suddenly, Harry really doesn’t want Louis to leave.

Just a Fine and Fancy Ramble by throughthedark (14k)

like an animal (i wanna feel you from the inside) by bottomlinsons (grimgrace) (4k)

like how your hands feel me up and down by ballsdeepinjesus (8k)

Like to Keep You Laughing by kikikryslee (13k)

Little White Lies by xxSterre (13k)

love with every stranger, the stranger the better by leighbot (9k)

make me feel like i am breathing by crybaby (3k)

make the wait worth your while by karamelised (8k)

No Chance At All by lululawrence (5k)

oh baby baby, the reason i breathe is you by ballsdeepinjesus (9k)

One Day, Maybe Next Week by kikikryslee (6k) 

Louis was staring at him, expecting a response, and Harry was supposed to be the one coming up with that response, and he was so not prepared, so he blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Where were you? You weren’t on the bus for a few days.” Louis raised an eyebrow. “What?” “Uh… Sorry, I just- Um, sort of noticed that maybe you weren’t on the bus since last week. Not that I watch for when you’re on the bus or anything. That would be weird. Obviously, you have your own schedule, and I have mine. I just saw that you weren’t here, so I wondered what you were doing, or if something bad happened, like you got kidnapped or something. God, that sounded creepy. I promise I’m not threatening your life or something. Jesus, just stop me. If you have pepper spray, I would totally understand if you got me in the eyes right now.” Louis had his lips pressed together at this point, holding back a laugh. Harry really didn’t blame him for that. — Or, the one where Harry just really wants to talk to Louis. And when he finally does, everything he says just comes out wrong.

One Shines Brighter by afirethatcannotdie (12k) 

“Hi, baby. You doing anything fun today?” Harry shrugs. “Dunno. Thought I’d see how I was feeling before making any plans.” “You wanna get married?” Louis asks. Harry’s face breaks into a smile, and he nods. Louis’ lips are just brushing Harry’s when Gemma appears in the hallway. “You two are in so much trouble.” Harry’s wedding was never supposed to be the happiest day of his life. No, that was going to be the day after, when he finally got to start his marriage. Unfortunately his family (and Louis) have other ideas.

Featuring a pair of moms who only want the best for their kids, meddling sisters with too much time on their hands, and a groom who gets caught up in the fairytale.

our love is bitter (but I really like the taste) by brightbluelou (10k)

Patience by Star55 (6k)

pick my petals off (make my heart explode) by orphan_account (7k)

Power Inside by whoknows (6k)

put you on repeat, play you everywhere i go by eversincewefellapart (8k)

put your faith in my stomach by hilourry (10k)

Reckless Serenade by boyfrombradford (11k)

rest your heavy heart by orphan_account (5k)

Rippling of Electricity by sleepingalone (3k)

So Kiss Me by embro (5k)

Sound Like a Song by allwaswell16 (14k) 

In high school, Louis Tomlinson lit up Harry’s world like nobody else, even if Harry did most of his pining from the safety of his tightly knit circle of friends. Ten years later, Harry is ready to make some changes. He’s tired of having so many regrets and not taking charge of his life, and he still hasn’t forgotten how brightly Louis shines. He’s about to get a long awaited second chance.

Or the one where Harry helps out at a farmer’s market and gives Louis free vegetables.

spice up your life by bottomlinsons (grimgrace) (10k)

Spin Me Like A Record by zarah5 (9k)

Stuck In The Middle With You by green_feelings (11k)

Sun-kissed Hurricane, Perfect Storm by iwillpaintasongforlou (8k)

Sweeter Than Strings by polkadotpeacoat (11k)

take me for what i am (who i was meant to be) by howlouvely (8k)

take my hand (and lead me home) by tumsa (13k)

take your time rolling up your sleeves by aniloquent (5k)

Tell Me What You Want by stylinsoncity (11k)

The Art of the Giants by asphodelknox (11k) 

Louis is dancing away from an old relationship when he meets Harry at a bookstore in the busy streets of Seattle. Harry is just a bookstore owner hoping his handsome weekly visitor could become something more.

the beast you made of me by Ashtarok (5k)

through the wire by Awriterwrites (11k)

trusting things beyond mistake by sarcasticfluentry (10k)

Two Sugars, No Cream by loveyoulou (orphan_account) (8k)

Unbelievable sights, indescribable feelings by serenityandtea (9k)

we can meet again somewhere by LSFOREVER (9k)

We Will Find Our Way by supernope (10k)

yes, you make my life worthwhile by tomorrows (10k)

You Knocked Me Off The Ground From The Start by sinkingtothebottomofthesea (13k)

You See The Sky I Can’t See by LiveLaughLoveLarry (14k)

Your Silhouette Over Me by Lis (domesticharry) (7k)

Last edited: March 19, 2018 

Done here? Go back to my Recommended Fics →

[all-the-love-harold]

It’s a Sign of the Times - Part #7

Previously: “ ‘s wrong?” he mumbled, voice breaking from being quiet for so long “He’s moving Harry” you took his hand placed it on your belly, pulling your shirt up so that he was touching your bare skin “Did you feel that” 

He chuckled, sitting up a little and placing his other hand on the other side of your bump “He really is moving” he smiled a smile so wide the corners of his eyes crinkled 

“That’s our boy H” you placed your hand over his

 He looked at you intently for a moment, seeing the excitement on your face, he realised that he didn’t ever want to do this with anyone else. You were the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, no matter what, you were his best friend and he couldn’t imagine being with anyone else ever again. 

“Marry me, Y/N?” 

Part 6 

Master Post

August 30th, 2017 -21 Weeks

“Did you just…” you looked at Harry, shocked by what he had just asked, hands still over his on your bump

“Marry me” he urged you, intertwining his fingers with yours

“Harry are you crazy?”

“Maybe, but Christ Y/N, I want this, I don’t want to spend my life with anyone else, I want this baby to have a proper family, with a Mum and Dad” he leant in a little closer “I know we haven’t been together for very long, and maybe this is a little crazy, but what about my life right now is normal?” He brought his hand to your face “I love you Y/N, I have since the day we became friends, I don’t want to wait any longer to start our life together”

You brought your hand up to his on your face, slamming your lips against his to shut him up, once he had a chance to react, you felt his tongue press against the seam of your lips, parting them, you allowed him in for a moment, pulling away before things got too heated.  

“Yes” you giggled, resting your head on his “Fuck yes Harry, I’ll marry you”

He pressed another kiss to your lips “before the baby comes?” he asked a little tentatively, aware of how little time the both of you had before he left for tour.

You laughed, leaning your head on his shoulder “If you can get it organised and get my family here, before you go on tour, then sure, we can get married before the baby comes”

***

September 8th, 2017 – 23 Weeks

The last week and a half had been absolutely crazy, between the beginning of Live Lounge month at work and trying to get your wedding organised so last minute, you were exhausted. But it meant a lot to Harry that the wedding happened before the baby came, he wasn’t his father, but if you were married, then the baby could take his name, and that was as close as he could get.

Today was the day you had dreamed about ever since you were a little girl, and while you had never imagined that you would be pregnant, everything else was how you had always dreamed it would be. You were in a slight daze, as Lou did your hair and makeup and your sister and Gemma buzzed around the room, making sure your dress was ready to put on when Lou had finished.

“I’m going to run next door, make sure the groom hasn’t run away” Gemma said, walking towards the door

“Gemma!” your sister, Anna, exclaimed, “don’t say that! She’ll cry again”

“I’m not going to cry” you rolled your eyes “go check on him Gems, he’ll be a nervous wreck” you smiled, and Gemma walked out of the room. Harry was getting ready in the room next door, at such short notice, he was unable to find a proper wedding venue, so instead he he’d hired a house in Homes Chapel where the wedding could be hidden from prying eyes. The house had a big enough garden for the ceremony to take place outside and there was plenty of room in the house for the reception after the wedding.

“You’re all done love” Lou smiled, fluffing your hair a little before she offered you a hand to help you stand up

“Thanks Lou” you looked at your hair, admiring her work “it looks great”

“You look great” she said, “I’ll go swap with Gemma, keep Harry’s nerves at bay while you finish getting ready” she twisted the handle on the door and turned her head back towards you before she walked out “No more tears, don’t ruin your makeup” She closed the door and left you and Anna in the room.

“You look beautiful Y/N” she said, bringing your dress over to you “If I can look half as beautiful as you do right now on my wedding day, I’ll be happy”

“Just don’t be pregnant for it” you laughed

“Hey, if this little bump never happened, you and Harry would still be pretending not to be in love”

You smiled “That is probably very true”

“What’s true?” Gemma asked as she walked back in the room

“The bump made Harry and I fall in love” you said to her

“Took your bloody time” she laughed “right” she capped her hands “let’s get you dressed”

***

“One, Two, Three, Four” Ed counted as your dad grabbed your hand at the beginning of the aisle, placing a kiss your hand and smiling at his eldest daughter, who he was about to give away to the love of her life, her best friend, her knight in shining amour, her Harry. The gentle strumming of the guitar began, and Anna started her walk down the aisle, closely followed by Gemma. They were both dressed in dusty pink dresses, with flowers woven into their hair and they looked stunning as they made their way to the arch where Harry was standing.

Ed had lengthened the introduction to the song so that he would start singing as you walked down the aisle.

“Settle down with me Cover me up Cuddle me in”

Your dad looked at you and you took a deep breath, taking your first step towards the rest of your life. You concentrated on your feet, focusing on each step, trying to avoid making eye contact with any of your guests, knowing that as soon as you did, you would start crying.

“Settle down with me And I'll be your safety You'll be my lady”

Halfway down the aisle, you looked up to see Harry, standing there, smile on his face as your eyes met. He was in awe of how beautiful you looked and as you looked up at him, all the butterflies that had been in his stomach all day, vanished, and he was overcome with love for you. He couldn’t quite believe that this was actually happening, it was a day he’d always dreamed about, but never in his wildest dreams, did he imagine that it would be you, meeting him at the end of aisle.

“This feels like falling in love Falling in love We're falling in love”

As Ed played the final notes of the song, your Dad placed a gentle kiss to your hand, and passed you into Harry’s grip.

“You look beautiful” he whispered into your ear as you both turned towards the minister

You smiled at him mouthing a ‘thank you’ as the minister began to speak “Friends and Family of Y/N and Harry, welcome and thank you for being here on such a momentous day for the young couple. We are gathered together to celebrate the very special love that Y/N and Harry share by joining them in Marriage. Y/N and Harry,” She smiled at the both of you, glancing down at your bump, “your marriage today is the public and legal joining of your souls that have already been united as one in your hearts. Marriage will allow you a new environment to share your lives together, standing together to face the world and all that it can throw at you.” You looked up at Harry, who was already looking at you, and smiled knowing that together, you could take on the world. “With that said, I would now like to invite Anne Twist, to read a poem”

Anne made her way to the podium, taking out a folded piece of paper and placing it flat against the wood, speaking into the microphone as tears streamed down her face “Harry and Y/N, the relationship that you have nourished together stands for love that will blossom and grow with each passing day. Swami Omkarananada, put into words what I couldn’t, so I’d like to read a poem of his to you now; Love has wisdom that can solve every problem. It possesses the great patience which waits until, drop by drop, an ocean is formed. Love is royal in dignity, brave in spirit, unbreakable in substance, and divine in nature. It does not complain, does not judge. It transforms everything that it touches. It rules everything to which it presents its own Light. It understands and yields only to conquer fully. Love has numberless resources and inexhaustible energies.”  She stepped away from the podium, tears rushing down here cheeks as she made her way back to her seat just behind Harry.

“It’s now time for the vows” the minister said, looking at you and Harry “could the couple, please turn and face one another” you and Harry both turned to look into each other’s eyes, joining both your hands “Mr Styles, do you have your vows ready”

He cleared his throat, letting go of your left hand and searching the inside of his suit jacket for the piece of paper that he’d written his vows on “Yes” he said, voice shaking as he unfolded the paper “Y/N” he looked at you and took a breath, “ I have loved you since we were 18, long before we both thought the same thing” he laughed and cleared his throat as you heard Niall Liam and Louis snickering in the crowd “Sorry,” he shook his head as you rolled your eyes at him “I’m not going to do that, we were 19” the crowd laughed, catching on to the reference a little late “I’ll start again.” He cleared his throat “Y/N, You have been my best friend since the day we met, and for the last four years, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my life with you, you’re the most wonderful woman I know, I love you, not only for what you have made yourself, but for who you have made me,  I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for me, my sweetest creature, wherever I go, you will always bring you home.” The tears were falling freely from your eyes now “Y/N, my love, I promise, from this day forward, to be your companion and your friend, I promise to love you, even when I don’t, I promise to lift you up when you’re feeling down and to laugh with you in your happiest moments, our life together will bring many ups and downs, but I promise to always be there for you, no matter where I am in the world. I promise, that for the rest of our lives, I will love you with my whole heart, I will brighten your darkest days, and above all else, I promise to be your best friend, from now, until forever.” Tears began to fall from his eyes now too and you reached up to wipe them away with your thumb and he chuckled at you “Y/N Y/M/N Y/L/N, I love you more than anything in the world and I couldn’t be happier to be spending the rest of my life by your side”

You felt the urge to kiss him over take you, as the tears streamed down both of your faces

“Damn it Styles” you giggled through your tears “you stole my thunder” the crowd laughed and so did Harry, shrugging his shoulders with a smug look on his face. “Harry,” you smiled at him, “If you told me when we first met that we’d be getting married in four years’ time, I would have laughed in your face, but I’m the luckiest girl in the world, to be standing here next to you, about to start our life together. To the world, you’re a rock star, but to me, you’re the weirdo that used to show up at my door at 2am with two tubs of ice cream, because he was lonely” you giggled and wiped some tears from your eyes “it may have taken me four years to fall in love with you, but I have never been so sure of anything in my life, I love you more than anything in the world and I promise that, for the rest of our lives, I will love you, I will love you when you’re touring the world and I haven’t seen you for weeks, I will love you when you’re tired and jetlagged, I will love you at your best and at your worst.” You paused for a moment, taking a breath and letting Harry wipe the tears from your eyes “Today,” you sighed “I am marrying my best friend, I love you Harry Edward Styles, you’re my rock, my sunshine, my home, thank you for loving me too.” Harry leant in and placed a light kiss to your lips, smiling widely at you

“Not yet” the minister laughed, “let’s get to the rings”

Grimmy walked over to you, holding the box with the rings, grinning at you both as he handed your ring to Harry.

“Repeat after me; I, Harry Styles”

“I Harry Styles”

"give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today”

"give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today” he placed the ring on your finger, smirking at you.

“Y/N,” the minister said as Grimmy handed you Harry’s ring “Repeat after me; I Y/N Y/L/N

“I, Y/N Y/L/N”

"give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today”

"give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today” you placed the ring on his finger

“Now” the minister sighed “You may kiss the Bride”

Harry leant down and placed a tender kiss to your lips as your family and friends stood and cheered and he pulled away and grabbed your hand. You both walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, starting your new life together, as Mr and Mrs Styles.

I’m very emotional after writing this! The song that features is ‘Kiss Me’ by Ed Sheeran, which can be found here. I hope you enjoyed reading this part, I’m going to write a part 7.5 which will be about the reception, but I just thought that the wedding itself deserved it’s own part. 

Let me know what you think! and don’t forget that requests are open, so please let me know if there’s anything you’d like to see 

All the love, Lyss xx  

[maggieisalarrie]

Titles: A

A Cauldron of Love by zimriya (27k)

“Oh for Merlin’s sake, yes,” Niall interrupts finally. “Harry’s been in love with Louis Tomlinson since that time in second year when he went and accidentally peed on him.”

Harry turns to face him, horrified. ���Niall!” he squeaks out. “You promised you wouldn’t tell anyone about that!”

Niall just shrugs and wipes his mouth with a napkin. “Aw, come off it, Hazza, was it really a secret?” When Harry doesn’t say anything, he pauses and looks up. “It was?” he says. “Ah, bollocks.”

A Hogwarts AU.

A Harmony of Frost and Flames by londoniscalling (13k)

"He’s passing lockers and whistling a quiet tune when he first smells it. His body comes to a halt and his nostrils flair instinctively, eyes going wide as he registers what the scent resembles.

An omega in heat."

OR

Louis goes into his first heat at school and Harry accidentally puts them into a compromising position.

A Harmony of Frost and Flames Extended Epilogue by londoniscalling (7k)

Sequel to A Harmony of Frost and Flames.

A Long Way From The Playground by nightwideopen (11k)

Louis is a single dad who is having a lonely life crisis and Harry is a doctor that carries around princess band-aids in his pocket.

Scraped knees make grown men bond, apparently.

A Million One, A Million Two (a Hundred More Will Never Do) by LittleLostPieces (42k)

While Harry doesn’t want to spend his final year at Wilshire Academy sharing his space with yet another idiot roommate, he figures he could have ended up with a lot worse than Niall. As the school’s newest scholarship student, Niall provides a fresh perspective on Harry’s privileged life, as well as a grounding presence when Harry’s other friends, Liam and Zayn, are acting like lunatics. Most importantly, though, Niall introduces him to Louis, a cynical townie with zero interest in spending his time around entitled boarding school kids. Convincing Louis that he’s more than a trust fund and a charming smile won’t be easy, but Harry’s never been one to back down from a challenge.

An AU loosely inspired by the short-lived WB drama, Young Americans, and the Gotta Be You music video.

A New Buzz by stylesoftheshire (7k)

‘No way,’ Louis says, shaking his head disbelievingly. ‘Only you would come out to your best friend by making him buy you a fucking dildo.’

The classic tale of how Louis helps Harry purchase a vibrator and later helps him use it.

a prayer for which no words exist by Eliane (34k)

"Louis is a few seconds away from blowing up a rather important section of the New York subway when he sees Harry for the first time."

A Run At The Past by hostagesfic (11k)

Harry doesn’t expect it to happen while Gemma’s in Australia. He’s not lonely, this time, with plenty to do and the adrenaline of the end of tour, the excitement of going back to Japan. And Gemma, of course, her jokes at his expense and her flirting with Niall and her hugs for every occasion, the way she looks like mum when she scolds him half-heartedly. There’s no reason it should happen.

He wakes up in Louis’ bed anyway.

a runaway american dream by dangerbears (15k)

AU. they take route 66 with only each other and their secrets.

a virgin to that money by eversincewefellapart (7k)

AU. Harry and Louis are broke university students who hate each other and make a sex tape. (In which Louis gets fucked a lot, Harry can't find the camera, and the road to falling in love is different for everyone.)

Accidents Happen by lanaboo222 (19k)

Harry is accident prone and Louis is a volunteer minor emergency worker. They meet a lot and things happen.

Ace by aclosetlarryshipper (32k)

It’s real. He can’t keep denying it. Denial has just made things more difficult. Acceptance is the first stage to anything.

Louis sniffles and pulls the sun visor down, flipping it open to reveal the mirror. He stares into his own icy eyes, grimacing at the red rim around the edges.

He tries to say the words, but they still feel too final and condemning.

or

The sexuality crisis you probably haven't read.

Adore You by isthatyoularry (67k)

“We invited our new acquaintances from uptown. You’ve simply got to meet their oldest son!” said his mother with a flourish, and suddenly it became abundantly clear as to why his parents had so adamantly demanded he join them in Deansville for the entirety of the summer.

Against his wishes, Harry spends the holidays at his family’s summer estate, and is reluctantly pulled into a courtship he didn’t ask for. Harry doesn’t want to get married, but Louis does. They don’t fit, but then again they really, really do.

Vaguely set in the 1920’s. Headpieces, jazz, fashionable canes, and flapper dresses, and that.

Ain’t My Fault by afirethatcannotdie (7k)

“Liam, M4M is for sex! You posted in a sex forum about your missing jacket.”

“It is not for sex!”

“It is. Trust me.”

“Well, if it helps me find my jacket then I don’t really see why it matters. Besides, someone already texted me about it. This Styles guy’s coming over in a bit to get it.”

“You invited the avocado man to come get his jacket at our flat after posting on a sex forum. Do you see where this is going?”

“I really don’t.”

“Someone is going to have to have sex with the avocado man!” Louis screeches, and Liam covers his ears.

AU. Liam posts an ad on the wrong section of Craigslist, Louis is pretty sure they’re gonna get murdered as a result, and Harry’s missing an avocado.

all i want for christmas is by crybaby (18k)

With Harry up against his side, his little four year old snuggled in his lap like it’s her favourite place, Louis could really believe they’re a real little family, off to their chalet to spend Christmas in the snow. A real little family where Louis would have the luxury of kissing Harry under mistletoe and rolling around in the fresh snow with him, taking him upstairs to his bedroom and fucking him to keep him warm.

(harry is louis' daughters' au pair. they spend christmas in austria)

all the diamonds you have here by vashtaneradas (22k)

it hits louis now, how fucking close to the precipice they’re standing. or, an au feat. investment banking and children.

All We Have by colourexplosion (6k)

He looks at the person who’s asked him a question and then immediately wishes he hadn’t. He’s beautiful, is the thing, and Harry’s met him before.

“No, sorry,” he says, shaking his head, averting his eyes. It’s an old habit, one he’s gotten better about resisting, but he supposes seeing Louis Tomlinson out in the wild transports him right back to youth club.

“Ah, s’fine really,” Louis says, instead of just walking away like a normal person, “Pretty boy like you shouldn’t be smoking anyway, yeah?”

Harry’s cheeks flood with heat before he can stop it, and he squeezes his eyes shut. Of course. Of course Louis Tomlinson — the boy who basically made Harry realize he’s gay — thinks he’s cute now. Ten years after the fact, and much too late for it to do any good at all.

Or, a 'Grown' au

Always Be My Baby by itsmiz (8k)

Louis isn't looking forward to his birthday, and Harry makes him see that age truly is just a number.

Based on Louis' tweet: 22 is old :(

Always Come Back To You by whoknows (29k)

“I’ll do it,” Harry offers brightly. No one even blinks. “I’ll do it?”

Louis sighs irritably. “Shut up,” he orders, tossing a pillow in the general direction of Harry’s face. This is a terrible time for jokes, especially Harry’s lame, old people ones.

Not that it was an old people joke. Just that most of the time Harry’s jokes consist of knock-knocks or terrible puns. The type of jokes old people like, Louis’ pretty sure. His nan always finds them hilarious when Harry tells her one.

Harry bats the pillow out of the air without even blinking. “Be reasonable, Lou,” he says in his most reasonable voice.

Louis is perfectly reasonable, thank you very much, and he’s also frustrated and upset and tired and he really wants to punch something. Maybe he should have held on to that pillow a little longer.

“You’re not gonna fucking do it,” he snaps. “That’s the last thing I need.”

amaryllis by hattalove (147k)

“Where are we?” “Um. A little while out of London?” Niall tries, seemingly the only one willing to not be mysterious and provide Harry with information, and. Oh. “London London? As in, the capital of England London?” he asks, just in case he’d misheard. “No, the other London,” Louis laughs, low and biting. He comes closer finally, the moonlight just enough to reveal a sharp-cut jaw and pale skin. “Sorry, Pup.” Nobody’s ever called Harry a “pup”. Frankly, he finds it quite insulting, but he lets it slide to try and comprehend his current crisis.

or the one where harry gets bitten by a werewolf. louis is the mysterious not-quite alpha, liam and zayn have Things going on, niall is their token human, and together, they watch a lot of TV.

And Then A Bit by infinitelymint (159k)

“We’d like to give the fans what they want.” Magee states, placing his hand on the table in front of him and leaning forward. “We want to give them Larry Stylinson.”

Or, take a parallel universe where Louis and Harry were never together, mix in a two year hiatus and an impending comeback, pour in a dash of lost fans, two tablespoons of strong friendship and a Modest! employee with a good idea. Add a squeeze of pretending to be a couple, lots of kisses and a tattoo or two. Stir. Serve: the mother of all publicity stunts.

(aka Harry and Louis fake a relationship for publicity. Eventually it becomes a lot less fake and a lot more real.)

anything plain can be lovely by el_em_en_oh_pee (5k)

Harry sees Louis - like, really sees Louis - again for the first time in his mid-thirties. (a grew-up-together AU)

Around the World by orphan_account (6k)

“Could you–” Harry breaks off, gasping as Louis leans in to bite the sensitive skin just under Harry’s jaw, a favourite spot of Harry’s. “Could you, y’know, in French?”

“Could I what, H?” Louis asks, peppering kisses underneath Harry’s jaw and trailing them up to his lips.

“Dirty talk,” Harry says in an exhale.

Or, Louis dirty talks in French. Kind of.

Autumn At My Window by TheCellarDoor (20k)

A canon-compliant AU, in which Harry and Louis are both in the band and have been sharing flats and hotel rooms for nearly five years, but never made the leap past 'friends who are too close for comfort'.

Featuring a lot of pining, Louis' addiction to Harry's scent, and a whole lot of sexual tension that might just snap loose when they decide to spend some time together all on their own. 

Last edited: September 7, 2017

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